Source: SKY_Sports
Blackburn v Portsmouth live!
90 There are to be what seems to be the statutory three minutes of time added on and it is just a case of waiting for the final whistle to go.[LNB]89 With a minute or so to go now, Blackburn are just trying to see the game out after Pompey fluffed the chance to set up a grandstand finale after Utaka's penalty miss.[LNB]87 The answer is no they can't as Utaka produces a contender for worst penalty of the season as he steers it over the bar.[LNB]87 Pompey are given a chance to get back in the game as Kanu's cross hits the hand of Andrews, who had turned his back on the ball and left his arm dangling. Can Pompey pull one back?[LNB]85 Crouch's frustrations get the better of him there as he has a little swing of his leg at Nelsen after the two had tussled for the ball. Sensible refereeing from Riley to just give a free-kick and tell Crouch to calm down. He can clearly tell it has been a tough afternoon for the Pompey striker.[LNB]84 Blackburn make their first change and Benni McCarthy gets a well-deserved round of applause as he makes way for his fellow South African - Aaron Mokoena.[LNB]83 A good piece of experienced defending from Nelsen to block Utaka about 25 yards from goal as the winger surged towards the box. Surprised there was no yellow card as it was a bit blatant.[LNB]81 Samba again shows good strength, this time on the deck, as he wriggles away from a couple of Pompey defenders on the edge of the area, but his shot is tame and well off target.[LNB]80 Jermaine Pennant's introduction has injected some life and threat into Pompey's play and he does well to skip past a couple of challenges to get towards the by-line, but his cross is a little heavy.[LNB]78 Portsmouth have done well to stick in the game after Blackburn's second goal and force a corner after Davis' cross is scrambled out by Robinson. The ball eventually break for Mullins who fires a wayward shot from 30 yards.[LNB]76 More good movement and control from McCarthy as his deft touch finds Diouf in space on the right corner of the box, but he appeared caught in two minds about what to do and Pompey clear.[LNB]74 Golden chance for Pompey to pull a goal back following Kanu's delightful pass in behind the defence. Utaka is through and he rounds Robinson, but his goalbound shot is blocked by the retreating Nelsen. Excellent work from the Rovers skipper, while Utaka's attempt on his left foot just lacked sufficient pace.[LNB]73 Another reprieve for James following Robinson's free-kick which was taken from just inside his own half. Under pressure from Samba, James lets the ball slip through his grasp, but Riley awards the Pompey keeper a much-needed free-kick.[LNB]72 Pompey are steadily clicking into gear with substitutes Utaka and Pennant combining well down the right to find Crouch on the edge of the box, but his attempted half-volley is mis-hit and spins harmlessly into the air.[LNB]70 Pompey have their best chance of the game and it was also the best move of the match. Kanu, Davis, Utaka and Crouch all combine well to free Pennant on the right side of the area and his low shot flashes across the face of goal and just past the upright.[LNB]68 Judging by Hreidarsson's inadvertent pass into touch there, it looks like it's going to be a long 20 minutes or so for Pompey, who just haven't threatened all afternoon.[LNB]66 McCarthy's movement in the second half has been the big difference in the game. He has stretched the Pompey defence, but most crucially his runs have actually been rewarded with an accurate pass.[LNB]64 Pompey make their final change of the afternoon as Jermaine Pennant comes on for Kaboul, prompting Johnson to drop in at right-back.[LNB]64 Great covering tackle from Givet, who has impressed this afternoon. He prevented a poor back-pass from reaching Crouch.[LNB]63 Blackburn really have picked up the tempo in the second half as Samba heads wide at the far post. The move had started earlier with a fine pass from McCarthy, but Warnock was originally short on options in the box before Samba eventually headed wide.[LNB]61 Diouf briefly looks set to give Riley both barrels when the whistle blows, but he quickly applauds the ref after realising the decision has gone his way after a bump in the back from Campbell.[LNB]59 Blackburn are bubbling now after that second goal and you could easily see this turning into a rout as Pompey have lacked leadership on the pitch this afternoon.[LNB]58 GOAL! Rovers make no mistake from the spot and surely put the game to bed as McCarthy steps up confidently to send James the wrong way from 12 yards.[LNB]57 Riley now gets an even bigger cheer after awarding Rovers a penalty as McCarthy's pass is handled in the area by Hreidarsson, who definitely leaned into the ball.[LNB]57 Mike Riley gets his first positive cheer of the afternoon as he pops a big balloon which has bounced on to the pitch.[LNB]55 For a moment, James appeared hesitant again, but he just timed his decision right as he waited for the ball to reach the area before nudging it past a Blackburn player and clearing the danger.[LNB]53 Pompey make their first change of the afternoon and it's an attacking one as Kanu comes on for Hughes, who has been a little slow today. At the same time, John Utaka replaces Belhadj on the left-hand side.[LNB]52 From that second corner Blackburn have the ball in the net as Samba glances in Diouf's cross but the striker is penalised for holding on Campbell.[LNB]51 Blackburn have a free-kick 35 yards from goal, dead centre, which Pedersen hits well and it takes a slight deflection on its way over James' crossbar. Good defending from the corner by Hreidarsson, although it's another setpiece.[LNB]50 A poor clearance from James puts Pompey in trouble as Warnock steals possession on the left but his low cross towards McCarthy is easily cut out by Campbell.[LNB]49 Blackburn are looking to continue the momentum from the end of the first half and you would confidently expect a second goal will snuff out any chance of a comeback from Pompey.[LNB]47 It should probably have been 2-0 to Blackburn as Pedersen's long throw is flicked on to Warnock whose volley from eight yards out deflects wide off Kaboul. Brave defending from Kaboul to throw himself in front of that shot.[LNB]46 Pompey have their first shot on target, although Robinson could probably have dived, got up and dived again and stil saved it as it was a weak left-footed effort by Hughes from 20 yards.[LNB]46 Blackburn get the second half underway and let's hope that now the sun is out there will be an increase in goalmouth incident![LNB] A goal up, Blackburn are strong favourites with skybet to go on and win this game at 1/4. For any optimistic Pompey fans, the visitors are 10/1 to turn the game around and claim all three points.[LNB]45 HALF-TIME: Mike Riley brings the first half to a belated close with Blackburn a goal to the good courtesy of the only shot on target in the entire half. Pedersen it was with the goal as he stabbed home from close range after James had failed to collect a bouncing ball. Blackburn have been the better team and Pompey need to get some support up to Crouch if they are to have a chance of getting an equaliser.[LNB]45+3 The first half just keeps on going as Keith Andrews is booked following a tussle on the right.[LNB]45+3 Blackburn have a chance to score a second as McCarthy is played in on the left by Pedersen, but Diouf was a little slow to react to the ball across goal and it eventually bounces up for James.[LNB]45 A minimum of three minutes of time added on at the end of the first half. Not sure where all that has cvome from as the offside flag denies Samba a run on goal.[LNB]44 Finally, Portsmouth have their first attempt of the match as a free-kick from the right just inside Blackburn's half reaches the penalty area and is headed beyond Robinson's right post by Hreidarsson. Something to cheer Pompey up before the break.[LNB]43 Tugay and Kaboul have a little tangle by the right touchline. It was a bit of wild lunge from Tugay, which Kaboul did well to avoid. A little bit of afters with Kaboul flicking away Tugay's hand. Dealt with well by Riley.[LNB]42 Almost half-time and I'm sure everyone will be delighted to know that the rain seems to have stopped and the sun is threatening to come out. Hurrah!![LNB]40 After a bit of treatment for a Blackburn player, Pompey do take that free-kick which Belhadj touches to Kaboul, but a home defender has charged out of the wall to produce a strong block. Danger over.[LNB]39 Yet again, Blackburn fans are unhappy as Tugay appeared to be fouled by Hughes, the ball ran for Crouch and he was brought down to earn Pompey a free-kick 35 yards from goal dead centre.[LNB]38 Samba continues to be a menace in the air and he does well to knock down Robinson's long free-kick, but unfortunately no one is making a run into the box. Clever piece of play from Samba, and unusual to see no one making a run into the area to meet it.[LNB]36 That time Riley does give a free-kick against Samba for raising a boot towards James. Poor defending from Pompey following a long ball and Samba's control lets him down slightly as the ball runs through towards James. It was there to challenge for, but Samba was a touch high.[LNB]35 The goal has really lifted Blackburn's spirits and they are sensing the opportunity to score a second before half-time.[LNB]34 The rain is still tipping down, but it's hard to say if it is really having any effect on the game. The ball does not seem to be skidding away from players, while the wind has died down a little.[LNB]32 Pompey get the game underway again and the visitors certainly weren't happy with Samba's challenge on James. The foot was raised, but it is hard to say if there was any contact and maybe James should actually have done a bit better in claiming the ball.[LNB]31 GOAL! The first shot brings about the first goal as Blackburn take the lead through Morten Gamst Pedersen. He stabs the loose ball home after Samba's challenge on James saw the ball run loose.[LNB]30 Sean Davis gets a talking-to from Riley after complaining about being penalised for a foul on McCarthy.[LNB]29 Almost the first goal of the afternoon as a good move from Blackburn ends up with Warnock getting towards the by-line and playing in a low cross which appeared to take a nick off Sean Davis and Diouf, and drift across the face of goal.[LNB]28 We're approaching the half-hour mark and neither team has yet to muster a shot. I would say I have seen worse games this season, but there is just a lack of quality in the final third at this stage.[LNB]26 Pedersen head over to the right side of the pitch to wind up a long throw, but though there is good distance on it, Pompey easily clear and mount a move forward.[LNB]24 Good challenge by Givet there on the left-hand side near the halfway line. Kaboul would have been away down the right win if the Frenchman had not got there.[LNB]23 Not for the first time this afternoon, Blackburn fans are unhappy with referee Riley as Andrews is penalised for a challenge on Hughes. He slid in with both feet, but won the ball - you can understand why a free-kick was given.[LNB]21 Pompey seem like they may have most joy down their right where Kaboul has been afforded plenty of opportunity to get forward. He has yet to make that count, but you can be sure he will provide at least one chance at some point.[LNB]20 Solid work from Diouf down the right-hand side as he takes the ball about 60 yards before swinging in a deep cross which just evades the head of Pedersen at the back post.[LNB]18 The commentator's curse struck there I'm afraid as Tugay tried to set up a counter-attack. His first pass was blocked and then his pass to the left flank was a little overhit, allowing Campbell in to mop up the danger.[LNB]17 Pompey are struggling to get any real possession together and Crouch is looking a little isolated up top. Tugay is ticking things over nicely for Blackburn and you wonder if Rovers will miss his steadying influence when he retires.[LNB]15 Once again Samba is penalised, much to the disappointment of Blackburn's fans who roar their disapproval at Riley's decision. A tussle with Distin brought about that free-kick, but Samba is certainly giving Pompey's centre-halves a problem.[LNB]14 Blackburn are settling into the game better now, although neither keeper has yet to have a save of any note to make.[LNB]12 Samba is putting himself about and is possibly fortunate not to be booked following a lunge on Kaboul. Probably a more dangerous challenge than the two which have already brought yellow cards.[LNB]11 Good little spell of Blackburn pressure before a free-kick eases the danger on Pompey, who break and are almost let in by Ryan Nelsen's poor header back to Paul Robinson, however the bounce favours the Blackburn keeper and he just gets there to deny Belhadj.[LNB]9 It is May? The weather has now got so bad the floodlights are on! Back on the pitch, McCarthy's attempted cross forces James to scramble the ball behind for a corner.[LNB]8 Blackburn work the ball well for the first time in the match after McCarthy wins possession back, but Samba's cross is poor and easily cut out. Grella then tries to play a ball in behind the defence, but it is out for a goal kick. The rain is getting worse![LNB]7 Looks like Mike Riley is setting himself up for a busy night of paperwork as now Glen Johnson picks up a booking. He was late with a challenge on Stephen Warnock and, if McCarthy was booked, then Johnson can have no complaints.[LNB]6 First yellow card of the afternoon after just six minutes with Benni McCarthy booked for a challenge on Kaboul. It was a touch late, but I don't think McCarthy really touched Kaboul, he was merely trying to block a ball forward. One of those that isn't a nasty challenge, but often sees a player get booked.[LNB]4 Pompey certainly seem keen to try and spread the play to wide areas, with Kaboul doing well down the right-hand side on that occasion. He helps to force a succession of throw-ins which have yet to come to anything.[LNB]3 As expected, Chris Samba is continuing up front for Blackburn, although he was pressed into a little defensive work to mop up after Nadir Belhadj tried to escape over the halfway line.[LNB]2 The corner is poor from Sean Davis and is cleared at the near post before Diouf does well to relieve the pressure by winning a free-kick.[LNB]1 Portsmouth force an early corner following clever running by Crouch to find space on the left-hand side from a throw-in.[LNB]0 Kick-off. Referee Mike Riley gets today's game up and running with Portsmouth having kick-off and Richard Hughes looks for an early long ball to Peter Crouch. Comes to nothing.[LNB] If I had painted a slightly gloomy picture of the weather before, then it is now even gloomier, with the rain going from light drizzle to properly teeming it down, while the wind also seems to have picked up. Not quite gale force, but I'm hanging on to my hat just in case.[LNB] With 10 minutes to go to kick-off, the teams have finished their warm-ups ahead of what should be an intriguing game. A point for both teams could be just enough to secure survival in the Premier League this season, but will either manager be brave enough to go for the jugular to collect all three points which would completely banish any fears of relegation?[LNB] It's not exactly a fine spring afternoon at Ewood Park with a blustery wind for the two teams to contend with and a spot of drizzle in the air. It will be interesting to see how the two sides approach this fixture. Can both teams be considered safe irrespective of what happens here?[LNB] Odds for today's game from skybet see Blackburn as an even money chance to pick up the three points, while Portsmouth are priced at 9/4. The draw is also a 9/4 shot.[LNB] Much has changed since these two sides met at Fratton Park in late November when Sean Davis scored the decisive goal in Pompey's 3-2 win. Sam Allardyce has replaced Paul Ince as Blackburn manager, while Paul Hart is now in charge of Portsmouth following Tony Adams' failed stint at the helm. Two of the goalscorers from that game are also not available today, with Jermain Defoe having returned to Tottenham and Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire enjoying a successful loan spell at Olympiakos.[LNB]Portsmouth team: James; Kaboul, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson; Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Hughes, Belhadj; Crouch. Subs: Begovic, Kanu, Nugent, Utaka, Basinas, Pennant, Cranie.[LNB] Portsmouth make two changes from the team which was beaten 3-0 at home by Arsenal a week ago, with the changes on the right-hand side of the pitch. Younes Kaboul comes in for the suspended Noe Pamarot at right-back, while Glen Johnson is back to replace Jermaine Pennant in midfield.[LNB]Blackburn team: Robinson; Andrews, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock; Diouf, Tugay, Grella, Pedersen; Samba, McCarthy. Subs: Bunn, Doran, Villanueva, Khizanishvili, Olsson, Mokoena, Treacy.[LNB] The teams are in for this afternoon's game and Blackburn make just one change from the side which lost 3-1 at Manchester City last weekend. Andre Ooijer is out after tweaking a hamstring, so Keith Andrews, who scored Rovers' consolation at City, comes into the team and is set to play at right-back.[LNB] Welcome to live minute-by-minute coverage of Blackburn Rovers' Premier League game with Portsmouth from Ewood Park as both teams look to move closer to survival.[LNB]
