After getting the winner in his debut against Middlesbrough, Jon Stead must think he's in a dream, as he became the new hero of the Blackburn End when he scored on his home debut. Again, as at Middlesbrough, the architect of Stead's goal was Paul Gallagher who cut in from the right to cross the ball into Stead's path, who slid in on the left hand side, to shot from close range and give Rovers a share of the points against Nexcastle. Stead's goal five minutes from time was a deserved reward for Rovers after Craig Bellamy's had put Newcastle into the lead just after half time. Final Score Rovers 1 Newcastle 1 Blackburn: Friedel, Douglas (Gallagher 69), Babbel, Neill, Todd, Emerton, Tugay, Flitcroft, Gray, Stead, Cole (Johansson 90). Subs Not Used: Yorke, Andresen, Enckelman. Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Bramble, O'Brien, Bernard, Dyer, Speed, Jenas, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy. Subs Not Used: Elliott, Ambrose, Ameobi, Viana, Harper. Attendance: 23,459. Referee: M Messias Match Report Link © 2004 BRFCS.com

Rovers will meet Gillingham in the next round, at Christie Park, Morcambe. Date to be confirmed. Match Report BRFC Official Web Site Registration Required

Half Time Rovers 3 WBA 0 Byrom 11 min Barker 12 min Barker 39 min Second Half. Barker 47 min, Peter 52 min, Derbyshire 63 min. Final Score 6 - 2. WBA Scorers : Smirkle, Paszkowel.

Blackburns twice postponed 5th Round FA Youth Cup game against West Bromwich Albion took place this evening at Morcambe's, Christie Park ground. KO 7pm Team. Drench, Peers, A.Taylor, Weaver, Luke Jones, Walsh, Peter(Stopforth84), Byrom, Derbyshire, Barker(Garner 77), Corvino(Sakali 46). Subs not used. Bair, Zak Jones.

After Saturday’s win at Middlesbrough, Blackburn take on Newcastle at Ewood Park tomorrow night, ko 8pm, in another crucial must win game to claw themselves way from the relegation zone. The return of Alan Shearer will bring back memories of the glory days for Rovers fans especially VE night in the championship year, when in the words of Tim Flowers the team showed “Bottle”. With Newcastle challenging for a Champions League spot, this wont be a game for the faint hearted and the current team will also have to show some “Bottle” if they are to get another 3 points. A win for Rovers would give them their first double of the season after beating Newcastle at St James’s Park when Paul Gallagher scored the only goal. Whether the game is as entertaining as last seasons corresponding fixture, a 5-2 win for Rovers, would be hard to comprehend, as all the that Rovers fans would want at the moment is another be 3 points to take the club clear of the relegation zone. Rovers manager Graeme Souness has named his squad this morning, which includes Saturdays goal hero Jon Stead and Martin Andresen, who joins the squad for the first time since his transfer window signing. Rovers : Friedel, Enckelman, Neill, Short, Babbel, Gray, Gresko, Johansson, Emerton, Flitcroft, Todd, Douglas, Stead, Cole, Yorke, Gallagher, Andresen, Jansen, Tugay. Newcastle have a number of injury worries, with both Woodgate and Robert doubtful. Newcastle : Given, Harper, Hughes, Bernard, Elliott, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bramble, Speed, Robert, Jenas, Dyer, Bowyer, Viana, Ambrose, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, Bridges. Referee : Matt Messias. Messias has issued 41 yellow and 2 red cards in 11 premiership games so far this season and refereed Rovers game against Fulham, earlier in the season, when he issued yellow cards to Flitcroft and Tugay. © 2004 BRFCS.com

U19 Rovers 2 Wednesday 1 The U19 beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on Saturday. Rovers first goal was a result of an Andy Taylor shot being deflected into his own net by a Wednesday defender. Rovers second goal was a penalty scored by Matt Darbyshire. Rovers played most of the second half with 10 men after Alex Bruce was sent off for raising his arm to an opponent. U17 Rovers 3 Man United 3 Rovers scorers Sergio Peter, and Joe Garner 2. Match Report Link to Official Rovers Site.

I must admit to being a little worried, I havnt seen him since abour 3.39pm yesterday..... Have no worries about jim, he managed to comment last night. I wonder if he kissed or was it kicked his dog again, after his last moment of madness when Rovers won.

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Driving North into a Simpson Sky, you know the one, blue sky with cotton ball clouds, I considered the implications of another defeat and searched for some divine sign of hope. Turning on to the A19 with the black clouds rolled in across the horizon, I noted the multi coloured rainbow arching it’s way into the distance and wondered was there really a pot of gold at it’s end. Could this be the sign I had been looking for, where we to find some reward at the Riverside Stadium. After parking up (free parking) at the rear of McDonalds in the town centre, I visited a “The Central” for some light refreshment and watched part of the Hearts v Celtic game on the big screen, listening to the Boro fans planning their trip to Cardiff, amazed that none of them were discussing the days game against Rovers. The walk from the town centre car park to the ground takes about 15 minutes, the route taking you across a police manned railway crossing and through two underpasses; emerging from the second underpass the cold North East wind cuts through you and the stadium zooms up in front of you. You cant miss it, as there’s nothing else there. After the customary search, it was into the ground, which has reasonable facilities for the away supporter, including tv screens on the concourse. The seating itself gives good visibility to the whole of the stadium and for once there was reasonable leg room. One of the only failing I found was the limited exit stairways, which caused congestion at the end of the game. The other failing I noted was that the area for away disabled spectators, which appeared to be unprotected from the driving rain and cold weather. It would appear that Souness is after a Ranieri’s title of “tinker man” for once again there was surprises in the team selection. Have we played the same team twice this season. Craig Short was brought back to play in defence and Todd was moved to play centre midfield along side Flitcroft; and the dynamic duo of Cole and Yorke were replaced by youngsters Gallagher and new signing Jon Stead. Coles only concilation being that he was allocated a seat on the bench. The Boro kicked off attacking the North Stand,(home supporters) and were the dominant team of the first half with Mendieta firing wide within the first 5 minutes. However despite their dominance Boro failed to capitalise and Friedel was seldom troubled during the first half, the only shot, a free kick by Mendieta going straight into Friedel’s arms at waist height. Rovers rarely troubled the Boro defence, relying on breaking down Boro attacks and pumping balls up field for Gallagher and Stead to chase. It wasn’t until after the half hour mark that Rovers had a shot at the Boro goal, however Todd’s shot was a throw back to days gone bye, as it went out for a throw in, I was half expecting the chant of BEAMO, BEAMO. With about 5 minutes to go before half time debut boy Jon Stead got his first goal for the Rovers. As Gallagher chased for the ball he was tackled by Mills allowing the ball to break free into the path of Stead, who calmly and confidently placed his shot pasted the Boro keeper. Stead went close again on a couple of occasions before going in at half time with Rovers leading 1-0. At the start of the second half Boro made two changes bringing on Job and Downing for Maccarone and Parnaby, which did make Boro more threatening. Downing who had been a Rovers target during the transfer window had the beating of Neill down the left, and Job was an ever present threat in the penalty box, although the later appeared to have caught the Cole/ Yorke offside bug. The second half was very much a rear guard action by Rovers as the defended the South Stand where the Rovers supporters were sat, who were on their feet chanting FRIEDEL, FRIEDEL, when twice he made world class saves to first deny Juninho and the Zenden. With the youngsters who had run their socks off tiring, Souness brought on Jansen for Gallagher in the 65th minute and Tugay for Stead 5 minutes before the final whistle. With the game nearly over Boro nearly scored through Southgate, but Rovers cleared off the line. When the final whistle did eventually go it was joy for the Rovers supporters more from relief than excitement, not exactly a game for the football purists, but at least it was the first win in 2004 and a step further away from the relegation zone. Leaving the ground, the underpasses and railway crossings previously mentioned become a bottle neck and are police manned to control pushing. But with a win, the North East wind didn’t seem so cold and the trip home through driving rain, sleet and snow where forgotten as the results came through knowing Rovers had moved up the table to 14th.

A debut goal by Blackburn's new striker Jon Stead in the first half and two world class saves by Brad Friedel in the second half; gave Blackburn all 3 points this afternoon against Middlesbrough. Final score Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1 Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Mills, Southgate, Riggott, Queudrue, Mendieta (Nemeth 66), Parnaby (Downing 45), Doriva, Zenden, Juninho Paulista, Maccarone (Job 45). Subs Not Used: Jones, Cooper. Blackburn: Friedel, Babbel, Todd, Short, Gray, Emerton, Douglas, Flitcroft, Neill, Stead (Tugay 85), Gallagher (Jansen 65). Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Cole, Johansson. Yellow cards: Douglas. Attendance: 28,307. Referee: Rob Styles. Link to Match Report.

bob, have you ever concidered a job as a script writter for the WWF,WWE or whatever its called these days. Lets get ready to rummmmmmble.

Would it be a feather weight fight ? Couldnt be bantam weight could it.

It's true. The Guardian > Swans Breaks Arm

Middlesbrough will be without the suspended George Boateng and the injured Ugo Ehiogu (groin) and Jonathan Greening (thigh), whilst Stuart Parnaby (ankle) is a doubtfull starter. Middlesbrough : Schwarzer, Mills, Southgate, Riggott, Queudrue, Mendieta, Doriva, Zenden, Downing, Juninho, Maccarone, Job, Ricketts, Cooper, Jones. REF. Rob Styles.

Rover's Official Web Site are confirming that Alan Mahon has joined Wigan, for an undisclosed fee. with possible further payments should Wigan win promotion to the Premier League

I would'nt recommend going near a swans nest. There's a bird sanctuary near me, the canada geese make a wide berth of any swan nests or "swan parent /toddler groups" I've also seen swans see off dogs that have ventured to close to the chicks. Personally I think hens are the biggest chickens, and if they trip up they claim fowl. As for them Ruddy Ducks, I believe the Mallard is the fastest, really steams along.

Alan Mahon is expected to become a Wigan player today 6th February, after agreeing terms and passing a medical yesterday. It is being reported that the Irish midfielder will go straight into the Wigan side who face Ipswich this weekend, ironically against the club that he has spent most of the season at, on loan.

New signing Jon Stead has been included in Blackburn's squad to face Middlesbrough tomorrow. The 20 year old strker is expected to start on the bench but reports suggest that Souness has indicated that Stead will make an appearance at some point. However Rovers other signing midfielder Martin Andresen is not match fit and has been excluded from the the squad. Vratislav Gresko returns from suspension and Craig Short also returns after a hamstring injury. Rovers squad : Friedel, Enckelman, Short, Babbel, Neill, Gresko, Todd, Flitcroft, Emerton, Gray, Cole, Gallagher, Douglas, Jansen, Stead, Tugay, Yorke, Johansson.

Alan Mahon is expected to become a Wigan player today after agreeing terms and passing a medical yesterday. It is being reported that the Irish midfielder will go straight into the Wigan side who face Ipswich this weekend, ironically against the club that he has spent most of the season at, on loan.

Champions League qualification, don’t make me laugh; you can count the number of clubs with qualification aspirations on one hand. The main competition for those clubs from 11th down is the Relegation Avoidance League. Any of the bottom ten clubs could mathematically get pulled into the relegation zone within the next few weeks that is why it is imperative that Rover’s get decent results over the next 6 days before there is another ten day break in fixtures. Rover’s start this important 6 days with an away game at Middlesbrough tomorrow (Saturday) before they meet Newcastle at Ewood Park next Wednesday 11th February. Tomorrows game isn’t going to be an easy encounter, as Boro have only lost one of their last ten at home in all competitions and Rovers have recorded only one away win against Boro in the Premier League, although Rovers did come close to a draw last season, before Job scored in injury time. For the statistician’s Rover’s only win against Boro away in 56 years was a 3-1 win in 2002, with goals by Yordi, Cole and Dunn. Rovers themselves go into the game without a win in 2004, just three points above Leicester and Wolves, and should either of them win and Rovers fail to get a point only goal difference would keep Blackburn out of the relegation zone. Tomorrows game will be a mile stone for Graeme Souness, as it will be his 100th Premier league game in charge of Rovers. Tomorrows Squad, .........

Brazilian Ricardinho signs for Middlesborough untill end of season. Jerome Thomas signs for Charlton from Arsenal for £100,000

Rover’s have completed the signing of Hudderfields, Jon Stead. Birmingham City have completed the signing of Rover’s centre half, Matin tiny Taylor. Reports would indicate that former Rover’s full back John Curtis, has been told he can leave Leicester on a free transfer and is believed to be having talks with Portsmouth. Micheal Bridges has moved on loan to Newcastle from Leeds. Paul Robinsons transfer from Leeds to Spurs has fallen through at the last minute. Spurs have however signed Defoe from West Ham with Zamora possibly moving in the opposite direction.

If it wasn’t for the continued team changes, writing Rovers match reports these days could be done by cutting and pasting previous reports. Another cold and damp day at Ewood Park, a couple of pre match drinks and the obligatory meat and potato pie, whilst watching the pre match entertainment on Rovervision. Highlights of the Manchester City game and interviews with the manager and his new signing Micheal Gray being the main contents. The team is announced and once again there are changes, Todd returns in place of Johanssen and Gray replaces the suspended Gresko. Douglas retains his place on the left and Yorke partners Cole up front. With the exception of those still at the bar, the game kicks off, with Rovers attacking the Darwen End. Douglas makes the Chelsea keeper save at the foot of his post and within three minutes of the kick off Rovers are in the lead. A long cross field pass by Gray from the left is headed back into the box by Cole, and Flitcroft makes no mistake in volleying the ball in to the back of the net. The Rovers fans rise in unison and the chants of ROVERS, ROVERS, vibrate around the ground. The first 15-20 minutes and the Rovers are in command, but the optimism of the Ewood faithfull is short lived as Lampard hits an equaliser for Chelsea: and within another 10 minutes a poor pass by Tugay is intercepted by Chelsea to allow Lampard to get his second. As in previous games this season, schoolboy errors have resulted in the opposition team taking the lead and the supporters head down to the concourse to watch half time edited highlights, whilst those at home listen to the experts discuss the pros and cons of the first half on satellite coverage. It’s started raining as Ken Beamish does his usual half time draw, and Rovervision announce the seat numbers that have won match day prizes from the clubs sponsors. Back in our seats we discuss the first half highlights and wonder whether our strikers have ever read the off side laws, the refs assistant with the yellow flag couldn’t have been wrong all the time could he The second half kicks off and Chelsea take command of midfield, in fact they take command of the game with Brad Friedel making a world class save to prevent Lampard getting a hat trick and the referees parenthood is brought into question when he agrees with his assistant in disallowing substitute Gallaghers goal. I must admit from where I stood I could see nothing wrong with the goal, and besides according to the Blackburn end the officials were being sponsored by the Russians. With three minutes to go to the final whistle Rovers got their equaliser when Gallagher ghosted in from the right hand side to score his first league goal at Ewood Park. Once again the chants rang out around Ewood, Souey’s blue and white army; followed by For ever and ever we’ll follow the …… then disaster stuck. Rovers failed to clear a Chelsea corner, Johnson collected the ball on the edge of the Rovers penalty area, the Rovers defenders jumped up and down like some constipated ballet dancers and the ball was in the back of the net. As we trailed out of Ewood we watched the big screen to see confirmation that the ref had been right to disallow Gally’s goal for offside and wondered when we would get our next points. Maybe next Saturday at Middlesborough. Link to what the fans have to say Starts on page 15.

Former Scotland manager and Blackburn player Ally MacLeod has died at the age of 72. MacLeod who led Scotland to the 1978 World Cup passed away peacefully at home in Ayrshire, he had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. MacLeod signed for Rover's from St Mirren in 1955 scored 53 goals in his 218 appearanced for Rovers and was a member of the team that reached the FA Cup Final in 1960. He returned to Scotland in 1961 to join Hibernian.

BBC Radio are tonight reporting that Blackburn are close to completing the signing of Hudderfield's Johnathan Stead for a figure in the region of £1million. It is understood that the 20 year old striker watched this afternoons game against Chelsea at Ewood Park. Stead, who is 6 foot 3 inches tall, is a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy, whose eighteen goals so far this season has made him one of the top scorers in the third division.