Source: team_talk
Win gives Rovers fans glimmer of hope
Blackburn FanZoner Anna-Louise Adams gives her take on Rovers after they beat Derby on Saturday to finally end their winless run.
Rovers finally ended their winless run of 11 games on Saturday and climbed out of the dreaded relegation zone by defeating Derby County 2-0.
Blackburn's last win was the memorable 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup.
And Rovers knew three points were imperative if they are to remain in the Championship. Following a week of negative media attention focusing on off-field matters, the fans were finally rewarded with a win.
The victory gave Rovers fans a glimmer of hope that the squad may be able to pull together to avoid a second successive relegation.
In an ideal world Rovers would have been travelling to Wembley on Saturday to face Milwall in the semi finals of the FA Cup, but considering the circumstances three points will be a more than adequate consolation to both the squad and the fans.
For the first time this season, the midfield appeared composed and remained solid throughout the 90 minutes. It is unanimously agreed amongst Rovers fans that the midfield has been the weakest area of the squad for the majority of the season having lacked a strong central midfielder up until the introduction of Lee Williamson and David Jones. There has also been a persistent battle against injuries this season which has not ended as Jake Kean was ruled out following his hamstring injury against Cardiff. Grzegorz Sandomierski made his first appearance at Ewood Park on Saturday and demonstrated his ability with some excellent saves, making up for an earlier misjudgement which could easily have lead to an equaliser for Derby.
Frustration will be felt by both Grant Hanley and Colin Kazim-Richards as they are suspended for the next game following an accumulation of yellow cards. The removal of Hanley from the squad will prove testing for Rovers as he has played a pivotal role in the team this season. Potential replacements for Blackburn include Gael Givet - Rovers' bearded warrior who feels he has been treated with a lack of respect by the club, Portuguese centre-back Nuno Henrique and Karim Rekik, who was brought in on loan by Michael Appleton from Manchester City. Rekik is a decent player but he did not demonstrate good link-up play with Rovers' other defenders earlier this season.
On the whole, considering recent results such as losing to Sheffield Wednesday 3-2, Rovers fans are euphoric with the three points after goals from Jordan Rhodes and skipper Scott Dann. The Championship is an extraordinarily tight league and it is probable that the relegation battle will only end in the final minutes of the last game of the season.
Huddersfield Town will arrive at Ewood Park on Tuesday night after beating Wolves 3-1 on Saturday and the clash will be a real six-pointer. Rovers then have a tough run of games against Watford, Milwall, Crystal Palace and Birmingham, with three of those matches away from home.
For now, though, Rovers fans can be relieved of their fears of relegation and enjoy the three points, at least until Tuesday night.
By Anna-Louise Adams, FanZone's Blackburn Rovers blogger. Follow her on Twitter at @anna_brfc - and don't forget to follow @FanZone too!
