Changes;

[sammiller]

Note: Edited Bentley And Friedel Moves, Plus Moved Robinson To Rovers. I've also given Rovers money due to this years 10mil budget and money from the Bentley sale, so they 'll have more to spend than the game stated before. Villanueva is also a rovers player, as the signing is virturally complete.

SHOCK MOVE SEES MILLER APPOINTED ROVERS BOSS

The town of Blackburn is in shock after the sensational appointment of Sam Miller as Blackburn Rovers manager. The 23 yer old rookie boss hasn't managed a team before, his only previous spell in football was coaching for lowly Blackpool. The appointment has led to mixed views across the country, some praising the ambition of chairman John Williams, and others, who if being honest are plentiful, believe that this is too much of a risk. Williams, however, is optimistic about the acquisition, heralding Miller as a "future great", stating: "Miller showed me that he has the drive, determination and focus to succeed at this level. I accept that many fans may oppose this switch but his interview impressed me more than any of the rival candidates. I am sure he will do well for this football club, and urge the supporters to give him their full support".


Miller was obviously delighted: "I can't believe I have been given this chance. Its really the opportunity of a lifetime and one I couldn't reject. I live for this club and will give it everything in me to ensure my stay here is a long and successful one. I believe the club is in safe hands with this management and boardroom team, and anticipate many happy times ahead. I accept many will be dumbstruck at this news, but results should hopefully change the opinion and win the fans over. I am Rovers through and through and will put the club first. Many players have left the club as of late but now I am here I am determined to prevent this, and to spent the resultant money on quality players. We have a decent amount of money to spend as a result of the Bentley sale, so I aim to bring in some players I believe will take this club forward. I thank John Williams and the club for presenting me with this opportunity".

A poll on supporters website brfcs.co.uk seemingly opposed the switch, with 75% against the appointment, 10& unsure and 15% in favour. This move today, cultimating with the departure of Mark Hughes, has meant the clubs relegation odds have been sliced from 50/1 to 9/1. Sam Miller definitely has a tough time ahead attempting to win over the doubters, and many believe this could be a long, hard campaign for Rovers.

 

[sammiller]

TRANSFER SHOCK AT EWOOD PARK

​

Blackburn Rovers today announced the shock arrival of Russian magician Andrey Arshavin on a four year deal, with the transfer believed to be in the region of 6.75million pounds. The Russian playmaker had attracted interest from teams such as Chelsea, yet Rovers pounced to sign the 26 year old, whom many believe to be one of the finest dribblers in the world. The now former Zenit player held talks with Blackburn for a few hours yesterday, yet quickly made his mind up. The press hadn't yet latched on to a rumour of this switch, due to the fact it was done so quickly and quitely. Sam Miller, who's arrival has been pillared by many, was unsurprisingly delighted with this signing: "Andrey has proven himself to be an excellent player who can cut it at a high level, as his performances for the Russian national team show. In talks, he was very polite and showed a willingness to join this club. That particular delighted me, he wasn't interested in the financial side of it, he was all about the football, and I believe he will shine for us".

Andrey paraded the shirt in front of flashing photographers, and will be officially unveiled to the Rovers fans at the ground on friday. There has yet to be word from the Russian, but it is believed he will give interviews on the friday. A Rovers spokesman revealed "Andrey will be unveiled to the fans at Ewood Park on friday at 12:00pm. He will give an interview as well as signing autographs and parading in the clubs shirt. Major interest is anticipated".

Messageboards quickly latched on to this information, sparking a wave of hype and excitement amongst Rovers fans

What a signing! Could be one of the best Rovers players in history!

Wonderful, allbeit surprising news!

ROVERS DRAW TRABZONSPOR IN INTERTOTO

Rovers have drawn Trabzonspor in the Intertoto Cup, with the home leg being played first and the away second. The Turkish club should provide stern competition for Rovers, with the game expected to show the talents of debutant Andrey Arshavin. New boys Carlos Villanueva and Paul Robinson are also expected to play in the fixture.


ROVERS IN MARKET FOR MIDFIELD - POSSIBLE CLEAROUT?

Sam Miller has stated that he is still in the market for midfielders, despite capturing Andrey Arshavin. "I still feel we need to bolster the squad in central midfield, and provide more competition for places for the players who play there". He also hinted there could be exits from the club, saying "I hope to trim areas of the squad, and one or two deals aren't too far from completion, although aren't cut and dry yet. We'll wait and see".

 

[Pak_cricketer]

Great signing of Arshavin! He's a solid midfielder. Oh btw, if you want a striker search up Malik Mouath Al-Hawasawi (don't know the spelling of his last name, but search Malik and then look for him).. He's a really good striker.

 

[sammiller]

WIGAN RAID ROVERS​

Wigan Athletic today completed a double sweep, landing Blackburn Rovers midfielders Steven Reid and Aaron Mokoena for a combined 5.75million. Reid, 26, had spent last season battling injury whereas Mokoena struggled to pin down regular first team appearances in the Rovers side. Wigan beat a host of teams to landing Mokoena, with Fulham also a contender for the defensive midfielders signature. Reid cost the more out of the two, being landed for 3.2million pounds. He was pleased with the move although disappointed at the way he was forced out of Blackburn: "I was very much looking forward to enjoying another season at Rovers, and felt my fitness was starting to pick up. However, the new boss offered my services elsewhere and I was left with little choice but to leave. Wigan should be an exciting time for me, I believe they are a team who are going places and can achieve things this season". This was echoed by Mokoena, who said: "I am very excited to play for Wigan, and believe regular first team football will aid my development".

ROVERS LOOKING AT OPTIONS​

Sam Miller was today looking at more options to bolster his first team squad, sending scouts to assess Malik Mouath Al-Hawasawi. Al Ahli are reluctant to sell the player, but Miller still wants to pursue the player. The new Blackburn boss has also been scouring the globe for potential purchases, with the position of central midfield outlined as a definite area of needed improvement. "I don't wish to sell anymore players, but we'll have to see. I feel I need one or two more players in order for the squad to be complete, and if that means players leaving the club, then so be it". When asked about a potential move for Hawasawi, Miller merely stated: "I am looking at various options, yet don't wish to drop any names as they are far from cut and dry".

ROVERS VS TRABZONSPOR : THE PREVIEW​

Lancashire Evening Telegraph Blog
Sam Millers first game at Blackburn, and the pressure is certainly on. The wolves are waiting, and all eyes will be on potential failure rather than success. A possible hinderance to Miller is the absence of ineligable Andrey Arshavin. Signings from the previous managerial reign Carlos Villanueva, Roque Santa Cruz and Paul Robinson are anticipated to make their bows for Rovers. This game is the one Miller wants to end, the one to get the monkey off his back, however it could lead to egg on his face. Rovers are expected to win this game, but it won't be easy. They are against a good side, but in this situation, the media wants a scapegoat. A defeat will lead to huge pressure on him and his players, so a good start is almost compulsary.

BBC Sport Prediction :

Rovers 1-0 Trabzorspor

LET Prediction :

Rovers 2-1 Trabzorspor

sammiller added 25 Minutes and 31 Seconds later...

ROVERS BATTLE TO VICTORY​

Sam Millers first game in charge resulted in a 2-1 win for the home side, but his side will be wondering how the tie isn't already dead and buried
Millers team started brightly, and after a series of quick passing the side forced a corner, which was headed home by Chris Samba. Much of the plaudits must go to Morten Gamst Pedersen for this goal, his inch perfect corner landing on the tall centre backs head, who had the simple task of heading the ball home. Miller responded to this goal with a clenched fist, giving a thumbs up to the brilliance of Pedersen. However, the Turks were soon level, a horrendous mistake by Andre Ooijer allowing striker Omer Riza through on goal, to cooly slot past keeper Paul Robinson, who had no chance.

Rovers pushed on from here and created a wave of chances, with McCarthy and Santa Cruz being thwarted by the sublime goalkeeping of Jefferson. Twice McCarthy had a clear shot on goal, but each time the ball was punched back away from goal, leading to a frustrating half time score of 1-1. Ooijer was replaced by debutant Marceo Rigters at the break, with Emerton shuffling to right back, after the Dutchman endured a torrid first half. There was a small element of unrest amongst the Rovers fans, but they got behind their team who continued to push for the second half goal. Santa Cruz's header was tipped over the bar by Jefferson, and some wondered whether it would be their day. Enthusiasm was regained on the hour mark where a rash challenge from Soner Gul resulted in the midfielder being shown a second yellow card. The challenge meant that Villanueva was forced into being replaced by Tugay, who received a rapturous reception from the crowd.

Tugay was creating chances, yet Pedersen was thwarted with a thunderous effort which was clawed wide, and he also dragged an effort wide from 15 yards out. The game seemed to be ebbing away from Rovers, until Santa Cruz's clever through ball sprang the Turks offside trap, allowing Tugay a free shot, where he smashed the ball across the goalkeeper to make the score 2-1. The fans were delighted, and Tugay lapped it up by running across the width of the Blackburn end with his arms aloft. The score finished 2-1, despite a late chance for Dunn to double the advantage. However, Rovers manager was disappointed with the scoreline, stating: "We could have had 10. We had 20 shots, they had 1! You could say they were clinical, although I believe we were unlucky. Our strike pairing looked sharp today." Samba was named man of the match after a strong performance at centre half, where the opposition rarely breached the Rovers defence.

Final score: Rovers 2-1 Trabzonspor
Attendance : 12,099
MOTM : Chris Samba

sammiller added 45 Minutes and 56 Seconds later...

FERRERIA IN, EMERTON OUT?​

Paulo Ferreria has joined Blackburn Rovers for £1.7million from league giants Chelsea, after the Portugese right back was placed on the transfer list by Avram Grant. This has led to rumours he is arriving as a replacement for Brett Emerton, who is currently being courted by Lazio, who have gone public with their interest. However, Sam Miller is adamant that Emerton has a future at the club: "Brett is a fantastic player. We aim to keep him at the club. His versatility means he can also play in midfield, so he could fill that spot on the right wing. I want to keep him and refuse to sell him at any price. I am delighted with Ferreria, he is a fantastic player who's been there, done that and is a fantastic individual".

Ferreria was delighted with the switch, saying: "This is a new start for me. I want to kick start my career where I'll be wanted and playing first team football. I can't wait to start"!

HAWASAWI TO ROVERS?​

Malid Mouath Al-Hawasawi has rejected a contract at Al-Ahli, refuelling rumours that he is on the verge of a switch to Blackburn Rovers.

 

[Pak_cricketer]

Nice win but a couple of more goals would've been better. Paulo Ferreira is an awesome signing at the back.

 

[sammiller]

ROVERS SCRAP TO VICTORY​

After a hard fought 2-1 home victory, Blackburn Rovers completed the job in Turkey against a defiant Trabzorspor side.
The match started with real gusto from the home side, who pressed constantly and didn't give the English side a second on the ball. Roared on by their feroceous, flare wielding supporting, Trabzorspor really tested Paul Robinson. The most notable was Omer Rizu racing away into a one on one position, where Robinson stood tall to block the ball with his chest. This was a timely confidence boost for the goalkeeper, and from there he seemed to be almost unbeatable. Kapplan Eyyup came closest next, but his head was tipped over the crossbar by Robinson, who resultedly received numerous compliments from his struggling defence. It looked as it Trabzorspor were going to take this tie by the scruff of the neck, but after more scewed chances by Gul and Riza, the away defence appeared to find their bearings. The Turks long balls forward were no longer to effect, as Samba and Nelsen dealt with this by dropping their defensive line deeper. The chances relented, but worryingly for Rovers the ball hardly left their half, and sadly a Trabzorspor players foot, for the remainder of the first period. Miller would have taken 0-0 at half time, but the minimal efforts his shot had mustered was a cause for concern.

The second half was a different story. After some potentially strong orders were barked at the interval, Rovers appeared for the second half revitalized and seemed to want to dictate the game. The small away contingent roared Rovers on, Tugay and Villanueva feeding the ball to the wingers regulary, causing the Turks defence problems. Trabzorspor seemed clueless on the ball, treating it like a hot potato which nobody wanted to have for too long. All Rovers needed to do was capitalize and find a goal, and it certainly looked like one could be found. As the half wore on, Rovers attacked in greater numbers and forced more out of Jefferson, with Santa Cruz denied by a strong one handed save tipping his goal bound header wide of the post. As Santa Cruz shone, McCarthy appeared lethargic, never really threatening to impact the game. However, he did have an opportunity, which was spurned wide from the edge of the box after good work by Pedersen. Pedersen was brilliant, and his crossing was causing the Trabzorspor defence real problems, the aerial prowess of Santa Cruz looking ever dangerous. He even went close himself, his brilliant left foot producing a Cantona esque volley, which hit the side netting. As stoppage time was read out, an excessive five minutes, Rovers fans could be forgiven for panicking. However, the ball hardly left the Trabzorspor half, and after some half chances, Rovers finally made a breaktrough. Pedersens mazy run down the left hand side resulted in a whipped cross which Santa Cruz stretched to head home. The away fans were delirious, and Santa Cruz was delighted; his first goal for his new club after a traumatic period at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The scoreline stayed at 1-0, and what was looking like a possible banana skin was avoided.
Scoreline
Trabzorspor 0-1 Blackburn (1-3)

MOTM
Morten Gamst Pedersen

Goalscorer(s)
Roque Santa Cruz (90)




sammiller added 38 Minutes and 55 Seconds later...

ROVERS DELAY HARPER DEAL​

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Miller today delayed the capture of Reading midfielder James Harper. A deal had been agreed for ?5.9million, and contract negotiations were agreed, but Miller still felt he had to delay the transfer. Miller hasn't made the situation public, however the wrangling is believed to be over the transfer fee, with Miller hesitant to spend the vast amount of cash. Harper had declared himself happy at the prospect of playing for Rovers, with the prospect of Uefa Cup football enticing.

McCARTHY INTERESTING HAMMERS​

West Ham United today declared their interest in Blackburn Rovers forward Benni McCarthy. Rovers are unlikely to sell the player, however may accept an offer in the region of ?6million due to their financial worries.

AL HAWASAWI PUT ON HOLD​

The transfer of Al-Hawasawi has been put on ice after Rovers had to find a work permit for the player. Rovers seem willing to purchase the player, however patience is required due to the situation.

 

[m_vaughan]

Brilliant few updates. A hard fought win against Trabzorpor, but you got the result. And some brilliant signings in Ferreira and Arshavin. Hopefully the work permit issue regarding Al-Hawasami will be sorted soon!

 

[sammiller]

HAMMERS WITHDRAW BENNI ENQUIRY​

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Miller today revealed that West Ham have chosen not to follow up their enquiry regarding the purchase of Benni McCarthy. After a previous enquiry, it was believed Miller presented the Hammers with a price they deemed acceptable for the South African, however they opted not to make an offer for the player. Miller said he was relieved, however did state every player had their price: "Even fantastic players like Benni have their price. Obviously we're trying to raise funds yet we still don't want to sell our star players. I gave them a price which I though we couldn't reject and they opted out. This should close the saga. Miller was also asked about the futures of Jason Roberts and Matt Derbyshire, with the former being heavily linked with a move away from the club. "Why sell young promising talent like Matty? He's definitely not for sale"! However, his inability to comment on Jason Roberts seems to indiciate the powerful striker doesn't feature in his plans. "All I will say is that we haven't received offers for any players".

ARSHAVIN: BLACKBURN IS WARM!​

Andrey Arshavin will have surprised many of the residents of Blackburn by calling the town warm."I have settled in wonderfully here. Some say weather is a problem, but compared to Russia, it is warm! My colleagues are wearing their jackets, I just need a t-shirt! The club has welcomed me well, I want to repay the faith the fans have in me"! Arshavins transfer surprised many experts, many expecting a move to a Champions League team, but he opted for Blackburn.

AL-HAWASAWI A ROVER​

Saudi Arabian forward Malik Mouath Ak-Haswaswi has been granted a work permit for his move to Blackburn. The fee is believed to be in the region of ?3million, meaning Al-Ahli had little option but to sell the clinical forward. "Many people back home dream of playing in the Premiership. I am living this dream! Rovers made me feel welcome by displaying such warmth to me, and their faith despite the work permit issues impressed me. I am very excited at pitting myself against the best players in the world". Miller was equally impressed: "He seems a wonderful acquisition. A great finisher who lives to put the ball in the net. Pak_Cricketer recommended his purchase, and one look at him left me impressed. We aim to make him feel well at home. I insist he wasn't a replacement for McCarthy".

sammiller added 34 Minutes and 31 Seconds later...

MILLER SLAMS LETHARGIC ROVERS​

Sam Miller was incensed today after his team slumped to a massively underwhelming 1-0 home defeat against an uninventive Bolton Wanderers side. Rovers started the game well, Villanuevas rasping left shot drive being palmed away by Jaaskelainen. McCarthy was next, his close range shot being skewed wide of the goal. From here, the half was very boring, with neither side looking capable of breaking the deadlock. Robinson wasn't tested on his Rovers debut, with the defences dominating the game. The atmosphere was icy, with some attempts made by the crowd to lift the atmosphere. This was typical Blackburn-Bolton, a cagey affair with little invention. Pedersen was injured early on, with Emerton replacing him.

The Second half started in similiar fashion to the way the first ended. The play was uninventive, and it looked destined for a 0-0 draw. Roque Santa Cruz didn't enjoy the best of games, being replaced by new boy Al-Hawasawi on the hour mark. The Saudi Arabian was starved of service, and Boltons only real attack resulted in the opening goal. Jlloyd Samuels cross was headed home by Rasiak, who's header escaped the desperate cluthes of Paul Robinson. The Bolton fans were delighted; this was a game which needed clinical finishing. Rovers didn't threaten from them, and had little positives to draw from the game. The electrifying performance by Arshavin impressed the Rovers fans, the only player willing to attack and displayed battling qualities. Unfortunately his team mates didn't follow suit in a completely underwhelming first day.

Rovers MOTM - Arshavin(8)

sammiller added 20 Minutes and 33 Seconds later...

McCARTHY TO READING?​

Blackburn Rovers today accepted a ?4.5million bid from Reading for 29 year old forward Benni McCarthy. Miller seemed unwilling to sell but opted to take the cash in order to balance the books after a summer of high spending. The signing of Al-Hawasawi seems to have moved the hitman out of favour and he has voiced his discontent.

HARPER PLAYS A NEW ROVERS TUNE​

James Harper today joined Blackburn Rovers for a mega ?6million deal. The defensive midfield was a potential Miller identified as a weakness, and after looking at other targets, decided Harper was the only man for him. Harper seemed happy with the switch: "I can't wait to start at Blackburn and bring an end to this saga. I felt I needed a fresh start". Miller rubbished suggestions the fee was overpriced, stating: "Harper is a cracking player and the type of player we needed. He will slot perfectly into our team and seems a cracking lad".

"McCarthy doesn't have his heart here, but it will be sad to lose him" stillrovers

"Why sell McCarthy"? confusedroversfan

"?6million seems a bit much, but thats todays market. You could pay ?5million for a ballboy"! oldielivingin1980still

 

[sammiller]

Blackburn Rovers

Next game = Dinamo Tbilisi
Uefa Cup Leg 1 (Home)

TEAM NEWS

Zurab Khizanishvili out with a fractured arm.
Malik Mouath Hawasawi ineligible.
James Harper ineligible.
Doubts over Emerton start due to links with Aston Villa.
McCarthy doubtful due to Reading links.
Pedersen out with bruised head.
Arshavin to play.​

BREAKING NEWS; ROVERS TEAM SHEET​

Robinson
Ferreria
Nelsen
Samba
Warnock
Arshavin
Villanueva
Tugay
Dunn
Derbyshire
Santa Cruz​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Thats a good starting XII for Rovers hope Robinson is good at goal . Good luck with the match

 

[sammiller]

RAMPANT ROVERS 'CRUZ' TO VICTORY​

Blackburn Rovers boosted their European credentials with a convincing 2-0 victory over Dinamo Tbilisi.
The game was all Rovers throughout, and the first goal arrived early. Around three minutes in, a long ball forward was met by Santa Cruz. He duly headed the ball towards Matt Derbyshire, who leaped to head the ball past 17 year old goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze. Derbyshire was as delighted with ever with his goal, sprinting towards the fans, happy to be continuing his good form of the previous season. This was his first start of the season for Rovers, and he definitely laid claim for a place in future starting elevens. Rovers continued to press from here, and a surging run from Stephen Warnock resulted in the left back being in acres of space, where he lifted a ball towards the energetic Derbyshire, who's strong header was tipped over the ball by the promising goalkeeper. Villanueva was determined to get in on the act, and a long run left him with space to unleash a left footed shot, which flew over the crossbar. Tbilisi were on the ropes and desperate for a lifeline. They thought it'd had arrived on the 20th minute, when striker Georges Akiremy was played through and slotted the ball past Robinson. The striker wheeled away, and the Georgian fans lept to their feet, but to no avail; the linesmans flag raised high in the air to the applause of the home fans. The lead wqas doubled on the 25th minute, when a foul on Arshavin resulted in a free kick from distance. Ferreria lifted the ball into the area and Santa Cruz rose above Khizanishvili (The Tbilisi one) to head home. At this stage it appeared Rovers could score 5!

Rovers continued to attack, and a Dunn corner nearly ensured a brace for Derbyshire. His header, earned after a successful jostle with an opposite defender, looked destined for the bottom corner before being cleared off the line. The fans were full of admiration for the slick football, and as the players moved towards the tunnel the fans applauded their efforts profusely. However, they didn't relent, thinking the job was done. Derbyshire and Santa Cruz both had efforts which went over the bar, as did Tugay. Emerton and McCarthy replaced the booked Villanueva and Derbyshire, whilst the solid Arshavin was replaced by Rigters. The side failed to lose momentum, and Tugays exquisite shot was tipped over the bar by the excellent keeper. The stopepr continued to impress until the last kick, when in the 93rd minute, Santa Cruz and Rigters were both denied from close range by the 17 year old CAPTAIN Makaridze. Tbilisi were on the ropes, and going into the second leg, look like their only option is to fall.​

Rovers MOTM - Santa Cruz
Goals - Derbyshire, Cruz​

 

[m_vaughan]

Good to see both strikers scoring. I rate them both highly and with Hawasawi there as well, you got a pretty potent attack.

Now to get back to winning ways in England.

 

[sammiller]

EWOOD RETURN FOR HUGHES​

The coming sunday will represent a date many a Blackburn fan will have been scouring for when the fixture lists were announced; Manchester City at home. Normally a regular fixture, spice has been thrown into it by the movement of Mark Hughes from Rovers to nearby City. Heck, never mind spice, a bowl of chilli has been thrown onto this game! Rovers are now led by Sam Miller, but enjoyed three successful seasons under Hughes, who transformed them from relegation candidates to european challengers, with a win against Burnley and numerous cup runs along the way. Many claim Hughes was looking for the money, some claim it was all ambition. Much has been speculated over the reception Hughes will endure, with some fans sure to show him some anmosity. Regardless, both teams will be determined to get one over the other; a defeat for Hughes here could be mightily embarassing. Whereas, Rovers will want to show there IS life after Hughes, and also need to kick start their season after a disappointing home defeat to local rivals Bolton Wanderers. A North-West derby here, illuminated by the summers happenings. Expect crunching tackles, touchline bellowing and pie spitting abuse.

TEAM NEWS​

Khizanishvili out with fractured arm.
Richard Dunne out with sprained ankle ligaments.
Stephen Ireland out with torn hamstring.​

 

[sammiller]

ROVERS SPURN FANTASTIC CHANCE​

Both teams started the game very offensively, both creating chances. The entertainment excited the fans, who were really getting behind both sides. The atmosphere was electric, and it nearly boiled over when Matt Derbyshires header was tipped over the bar by Joe Hart. Some Rovers fans were already cheering, but somehow Hart stretched to get a fingertip to the ball. City countered this, with a smart move giving Palacio a fantastic chance to score. His shot seemed destined for the top corner, until he struck the bar. "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" rang out from the City populated Darwen End. However, it was the home side who struck first. Harper and Derbyshires smart passing led to a through ball from the former letting Villanueva in, who drilled the ball past Hart to give Rovers a 1-0 advantage. The fans were delighted, as was Villanueva; the Chilean scoring his first goal for Blackburn.

It got better for him three minutes later, when Santa Cruz's wonderous through ball gave Villanueva another great goalscoring opportunity. He dropped his shoulder to the right before slotting the ball in the left hand corner, this feint causing the goalkpeeper to dive the wrong way. The crowd was shocked, and there couldn't be more contrast between the Rovers and City fans; Rovers fans excitedly singing, whilst the City fans stood there, motionless. City needed a goal, and it looked like it wouldn't be their day when Palacios fantastic shot was somehow clawed away by former Tottenham man Paul Robinson. However, he had no answer to sumemr signing Benjani, whos low shot across goal found the back of the net, after a low pass by Elano. Benjani clenched his fist in celebration; City smelled blood.

And just before half time, it got better for the away side. After halving the deficit, they were awarded a very controversial penalty. Nelsens tackle on Benjani appeared to be clean, but the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. This led to much astonishment from the Rovers players, who surrounded the referee, demanding to know why. The fans were whistling too, many charging towards the front row of the stand to abuse the referee. This didn't faze Elano, who powered the ball into the top corner to level the game for The Citizens, ensuring delirium amongst the 7000 strong City contingent.

Half time allowed the teams to reflect on what was an action packed half, with the goals displayed on the big screen from Villanueva long forgotten, clouded what they believed by unjust decisions from the roundly jeered officials. Rovers seemed to lose their heads second half, and never threatened the City goal. They seemed incensed by the referee, and allowed it to cloud their performance. City went from strength to strength, acquiring the momentum from the previous half. A whole host of chances were spurned, and as the clock ticked to the 87th minute, a draw seemed the most likely result. That was until a corner led the ball to Palacio, who after an afternoon of misfortune, stuck his head out to place the bal in the back of the net. City had won the game, yet celebrated like they'd won the league. On the contrary, Rovers fans trudged home silent, the odd bit of abuse being hurled at the officials. The players received half hearted boo's; another defeat for Rovers.

Rovers MOTM - Villanueva

Rovers goals: Villanueva(2)​

SORRY ROVERS LOSE AGAIN; PRESSURE ON

Rovers lost again yesterday, this time to a sorry Derby County side.
The journey to Pride Park was always going to be tough, but Rovers seemed to roll over. The first goal for Derby was before Rovers had even touched the ball, an unorganized away side letting Kenny Miller in; who drilled the ball across Robinson. The Rovers fans gestured angrily, as the Derby fans cheered. Robinson put his hands on his head, looking at the defenders accusingly.

After some more Derby pressure, Rovers were granted a lifeline. A poor pass led straight to Al-Hawasawi, who slotted the ball past Lewis Price. He looked pleased, but this didn't cover the poor performance by Rovers. They didn't deserve this.

The Second half was more even, with both sides creating chances; the most clear cut, however, seemingly from the home side. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, this pressure showed. A cross from Savage was met by Miller, who doubled his tally for the game. Derby simply consolidated from here, and Rovers' season seems in big trouble.

MOTM - AL-Hawasawi
Goals - Al Hawasawi​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Mix feeling in the last post . First good win for Rovers and then poor defeat to Derby COunty . Nice to see the new man scoring some goals .

Good presentation