After the fantastic news of Roque Santa Cruz new contract signing, Blackburn Rovers faced a determined Hull City squad, oozing with confidence after starting their premiership campaign with a win against Fulham. Blackburn made one change to their team, with Brett Emerton returning to the bench, Carlos Villanueava being the man to make way.
After a slow start to procedures, it was Hull who took the initiative, a brilliant movement on the right flank, with the ball being cut across goal. However, Fagan, who scored the winner for Hull last week, was unable to take the opportunity, leaving a frustrated Paul Ince demanding to know how the back line was easily breached. Rovers started to turn things around, with some brilliant work in the middle of the park by David Dunn, creating and directing play. Steven Reid placed him self in several good positions out wide, but his delivery was not of the best.
Morten Gamst Pederson had Rovers best chance of the opening exchange, blasting a half volley from 25 yards out narrowly wide of the post. On the 36th minute, Rovers took the lead. A Steven Reid through ball fell neatly for Jason Roberts, taking the ball into his stride, blasting it into the back of the net. 1 Nil Rovers.
Blackburns joy was shortlived though, with Hull equalising immediately. A deep cross from right half found Richard Garcia who scored one of the most clinical of headers, looping it over the hapless Paul Robinson. This capped of a brilliant week for Garcia, who made his Socceroo Debut against Aaron Mokoenas Bafana outfit. 1-1 Half time.
Brett Emerton was introduced at the break, replacing David Dunn who had picked up a knock. THe second half started of in a slow fashion…so slow i dozed of for about 15 minutes. However when i did wake up, i noticed the score was still the same so lets continue hehehe (sorry boss dozing on the job).
Blackburn could be deemed to be unlucky after the premier leagues youngest ever referee decided not to award a penalty after Santa Cruz shot took a clear deflection of the hand of a Hull defender. Roque almost scored 10 minutes later, with a strike narrowingly flying over the bar.
The game fizzed out to the final whistle, with both teams keeping their unbeaten start to the season on track
Player Ratings
Paul Robinson 6
Unlucky with the goal, really couldnt do anything about it, not much else to do
Ryan Nelsen 6.5
Solid game, nothing special
C Samba 6.5
Same as Nelsen, didnt have much to do
Andre Oijer 6
Was caught out at times, could be partly at blame for the goal conceded, but wasnt recieving support from Reid
Steven Warnock 7
Looked a threat on the flank with Pederson, would like to see him take on a player or two when he gets a chance
David Dunn 7.5
Another solid game from DD. Was looking forward to seeing him come out in the second half and tear Hull apart, just wasnt to be. Hope he pulls up alright
Aaron Mokoena 7
Credit to the axe. Chased and tackled well, passing is getting there. Keep at it big man
Steven Reid 6
Reid had plenty of chances to hit the byline or take on the Hull Defence, however he was always looking for the early ball to a static Santa Cruz, we really need a right winger to match up with Gamst
Morten Gamst Pedersen 7.5
ANother solid game from Gamst, put in a few quality balls, needs to work on corners a bit more. WOrking extremely well with Warnock
Jason Roberts 8
Great game from the big man, took his chance and put us in the lead, chased everything down, well done
Roque Santa Cruz 6
Not one of his best performances, looked really lazy until a 10 minute patch in the second half. Maybe the fatigue from mid week internationals was playing on him
Brett Emerton 6.5
Not one of his best games, but he did attempt to take on the fullbacks. Will be back to top form next week, trust me hehehe
Tugay
Quiet game from the Maestro, he still has it in him though
Opponent Watch
Manager Rating
Ince would be dissapointed not taking all 3 points, with his post match conference blaming mid week internationals on fatiguing the boys. Lets hope they can turn it around against Grimsby
Sasmans Get Stuck into it or Else Award
This week it goes to Roque Santa Cruz. Roque has been outstanding for us, lets hope this is just a one of based on playing 90 minutes for Paraguay. We needs you Santa
Sasmans Award for outstanding Effort
Once again goes to JR. WOrking his arse of once again, well done JR, and had his finishing boots on as well!!!!
Opponent Watch
Carling Cup against Grimsby, Tuesday Afternoon
