Rovers snare Tigers to ease fears

10 February 2010 22:17
Blackburn got the game's only goal in the 16th minute when Martin Olsson's effort, virtually from the byline, creeped into the far post via a slight final touch from goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.[LNB]The visitors then had George Boateng sent off towards the end of the first half and they were unable to get back in the game, leaving them just a point outside the bottom three.[LNB]Before the match, a minute's silence was held to mark the death of a Blackburn supporter at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, and players wore black armbands.[LNB]Blackburn thoroughly warranted their victory and almost took the lead after just six minutes when Boateng was hauled back for a challenge on Nikola Kalinic.[LNB]Morten Gamst Pedersen delivered the free-kick and Ryan Nelsen got in a powerful header, only for Myhill to turn it over the top.[LNB]Hull responded and Stephen Hunt cleared the bar with his effort inside the area after being set up by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.[LNB]Play switched back down the other end and Myhill did well to claw away a header from El-Hadji Diouf in the 12th minute.[LNB]It was an open game and a minute later Paul Robinson parried Vennegoor of Hesselink's shot after good work by Hunt.[LNB]Blackburn opened the scoring after Morten Gamst Pedersen set Olsson scampering away down the left. His shot from the by-line got a final touch off Myhill, for a goal that has harshly not been awarded to the full-back as of yet.[LNB]The home side maintained the momentum and Olsson smashed a volley at Myhill in the 30th minute after a clearance from Steven Mouyokolo fell at his feet.[LNB]Olsson was giving Hull problems and headed wide four minutes later when a long throw from Morten Gamst Pedersen caused confusion in the visiting defence.[LNB]Then Kalinic failed to get a vital touch for Blackburn after Michel Salgado's effort has been blocked.[LNB]Hull's troubles increased when they were reduced to 10 men.[LNB]Boateng was red-carded following a challenge on Pedersen in the middle of the park that left him needing treatment.[LNB]Blackburn went close to extending their lead in the 43rd minute after an inswinging corner from Diouf.[LNB]Nelsen was about to pounce at the back post but Myhill was able to touch the ball to safety.[LNB]The visitors again found themselves on the back foot in the 54th minute when Olsson released Steven Nzonzi but he dragged his effort wide.[LNB]There was little respite for Hull and Kalinic sent an ambitious half-volley wide.[LNB]Brett Emerton should have extended Blackburn's lead in the 68th minute when Diouf sprung the offside trap.[LNB]Emerton got a good first touch but his shot was weak and Myhill was able to make the block.[LNB]Blackburn were again cursing their luck in the 72nd minute as Myhill pushed Gael Givet's header onto the bar following a delivery from Pedersen.[LNB]There was a sense of anticipation among the travelling fans three minutes later when Vennegoor of Hesselink shaped to take a free-kick, but he sent his effort over the bar.[LNB]Then a cross from Pedersen was deflected by Hull striker Jozy Altidore but Myhill was alert and made the save, as Blackburn settled for a one-goal win.[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk