Having a spare day to take before the end of March I decided to take in a night game at Ewood Park. We had visited the home of Blackburn Rovers once before a few years ago in the FA cup when they were in the premier league and had the enviable strike force of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. That night we were soundly beaten, and a Millers fan was arrested for falling asleep, to much amusement amongst fellow fans. Setting off in plenty of time we had decided to stop off for some tea, but a broken down lorry on the M62 put pay to that. We arrived outside the ground and managed to find a car park almost outside so hopalong didn't have to walk too far. '£10 please' said the young girl attendant, 'And we can't let you out after the game until all the coaches have left, we are expecting five.' That many huh, and where is the Bournemouth spirit of letting people park for a pittance?
We parked bottom left, the chip shop is bottom right.
With 45 mins to go before kick off and both of us ready to eat our own arms we decided to head to a McDonalds sigh over the road, however we came across a Chinese Chippie and decided that would be more tasty. I had to repeat my order of fish and chips twice before the Chinese guy understood, and Ians mushy peas proved even more problematic. He had no difficulty understanding the Blackburn fans though, must be our accents! They were greasy and unhealthy and delicious.
Back over the road we entered the ground and I went on a fact finding mission to the ladies loo. Ian spotted Baz and had a chat before we took our seats in almost the same place we were sitting all those years ago. Wooly and James arrived and had a chat before heading up the stand for a better view. Steve had kept the same side who had the excellent result and performance against Ipswich and we were all anticipating much of the same, unfortunately the long journey must have taken its toll, either that or aliens had abducted our team and replaced it with the Maltby Main first eleven. First Half we could not pass, tackle or head. Blackburn were poor but we were very poor. The half backs Fryers and Richardson both looked like they hadn't seen a football before and just before halftime the inevitable happened and Blackburn took the lead. What a disappointment. Half time 1-0 to Blackburn.
Richardson where he was all game, two yards behind.
The second half was a bit better and we actually had a couple of chances. Steve gave Pringle and Newton the crook and brought on Hunt and Hammill. We got a couple of free kicks in good positions that were wasted before a break on the right saw a cross come in which Derbyshire poked home at the near post. 1-1.
I scored but it pains me...
Now Matt Derbyshire started his career ar Blackburn, he is a Blackburn Rovers fan, so I suppose he can be excuse for not celebrating his goal, but I like to see Rotherham United players looking happy if they score. Let's hope he looks a more excited when he scores against Derby. However, we were back in the game and even had a couple more chances. Unfortunately Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes, a striker so good that he scores in every single football game he plays in. If only this game could have been the exception, if only we could have hung on for ten more minutes, if only Frazer Richardson was a footballer. The world is full of if only's and Jordan Rhodes came along on 86 minutes, poking home his expected goal and giving Blackburn their win.
Jordan Rhodes, superman.
We did have a late chance with a Paul Green header, unmarked in front of goal, but come on it was Paul Green and he missed. A poor performance ended with a disappointing result. 2-1 Blackburn. Next up Derby at home.
Men of the match
Ian - Morgan
Jackie - Paul Green
Funniest moment and Ians award combined trophy.
The referee being given help to count out the ten yards for free kicks by the Millers fans after he blatantly only counted nine. He had the last laugh though, counting only eight!
Toilet watch.
Didn't start very well as the first one I went in had a door that didn't lock, and the next was blocked. Slightly redeemed by red hot water to warm the hands. Floor was dry too. 6/10
No comments:
Post a Comment