Blackburn 2 v 1 Everton
A late goal from Blackburn Rovers condemned Everton to a 2-1 defeat at Christie Park.
The Blues conceded early on but came back into the match strongly - and a draw would probably have been a fair result.
A positive outcome wasn’t to be though and two goals from Bryan Hodge proved too much for Andy Holden’s side on the day.
It was Rovers who started the stronger of the sides in the opening exchanges, although Everton had the first opportunity on goal.
Lee Molyneux – who is renowned for his set-piece taking abilities – struck over the wall but the goalkeeper did well to push the ball away.
That opportunity should have given the Blues the confidence to get a foot-hold in the game but Blackburn knocked Holden’s side with a sucker punch after 11 minutes.
Keith Treacy crossed in from the left, Matt Derbyshire headed down to the feet of Hodge and he struck into the far corner of the net – giving Iain Turner no chance.
While conceding a goal can sometimes have a negative effect on a side, going one down appeared to spur Everton on, and they finished the first half very much the stronger of the two teams.
But the equaliser didn’t come for the Toffees until 15 minutes into the second half.
A pin-point cross from the right wing by Dan Gosling landed on the head of James Vaughan, who did well to head home from ten yards out.
Before the goal, youngster Jack Rodwell was lucky to stay on the pitch after he was cautioned by the referee for a kick on a Blackburn player off the ball.
That caution appeared to incense Rodwell and just a minute later he could have walked after a late challenge on Julio Santa Cruz. The ref stopped play – but was satisfied to give Rodwell a talking to.
The game looked as though it was going to end in a score draw but with just a few minutes remaining Hodge struck again with a superb lob from the edge of the area, giving Turner no chance.
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