Rovers Spoil Leaving Party

Blackburn Rovers spoilt Alan Curbishley’s leaving party by winning 2-0 in his last match in charge at The Valley.

Curbishley’s exit at the end of the season was announced before kick-off and thanks to a near post header from Steven Reid and an own goal by Chris Powell’s Rovers managed to improve their chances of a European place and make sure it was the happy ending that Curbishley would have liked.

Curbishley was applauded by fans around the ground at the end of the game but the at the beggining of the match the news clearly had an effect on the home side who started slowly.

Rovers striker Craig Bellamy thought he should have had a fifth minute penalty when he was brought down by Gonzalo Sorondo but his appeals were waved away.

The Welshman picked himself up to set up a chance for fellow forward Sinama-Pongolle, who lifted the ball over keeper Stephan Andersen only to see his angled effort go wide.

Darren Ambrose had the best chance of the opening half for the home side when he chested down Matt Holland’s ball before volleying straight at keeper Brad Friedel.

But Rovers carried the more threat with Reid going closest to scoring with his low free-kick being well-saved and a first-time volley going over.

Reid caused the Charlton defence plenty of problems and put his side ahead when he nodded in at the near post after Morten Gamst Pedersen’s long throw.

The home side’s threat on goal was minimal as Blackburn continued to control the match and the visitors duly went 2-0 up after 65 minutes.

Sinama-Pongolle crossed and after Bellamy failed to make contact Powell could do little as the ball cannoned off him and into goal.

Charlton were denied any worthwhile possession to create any chances but Curbishley was given a rousing send off as fans all round the stadium applauded him.