Blackburn Rovers 0 Newcastle United 0: Super stopper Robinson keeps Toon at bay

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is supposed to be 'unsackable' but one point from a possible nine will not be impressing his Indian employers too much as we near the business end of the season. Since both defences had conceded four goals last Saturday, it was perhaps understandable that neither attacked with abandon in front of their royal guest, Prince Albert of Monaco. Midfield tussle: Blackburn Rovers' David Dunn tackles Newcastle United's Joey Barton There were however, moments to savour when the deadlock might have been broken and the royal visitor might have been able to return with something spectacular to savour. Stalemate: Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez hassles Blackburn's Jermaine Jones After 15 minutes for example, JoseEnrique hoofed a long ball into the path of Newcastle's PeterLovenkrands, but his lob hit the bar. MATCH FACTSBLACKBURN: Robinson;Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson;Nzonzi; Jones, Dunn (Emerton 64min),Hoilett (Pedersen 46); Santa Cruz(Roberts 46), Kalinic. Subs (not used):Bunn, Grella, Benjani, Hanley. Booked:Salgado.NEWCASTLE: Harper; Simpson(Perch 76), Williamson, Coloccini,Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez;Best (Kuqi 90), Lovenkrands(Ranger 77). Subs (not used): Krul,Campbell, Guthrie, Ferguson.Booked: Gutierrez, Tiote, Barton.Referee: S Attwell (Warwickshire).Bythen, Blackburn should have hit the back of the net. When Chris Sambaflicked on to Roque Santa Cruz, the goal was at his mercy. Instead,Santa Cruz headed against the post. Newcastlecame close soon after the break as Fabricio Coloccini found space fromJoey Barton's corner. Coloccini chested, hooked the ball forward andforced a fine save from Paul Robinson. Afterfighting back from 4-0 down last Saturday, Newcastle boss Alan Pardewsaid: 'I'm pleased with that after the performance against Arsenal. 'We'vehad enough excitement for one week. A dull game is just what weneeded.' Kean, whose side do not have another home game for five weeks,said: 'We were edgy from the first minute and a little bit frantic. We never got started.'  PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Follow all the action from around the groundDes Kelly: We simply can't turn our backs on Newcastle's BartonDerby hope to bring Blackburn keeper Fielding back to Pride Park on loanBLACKBURN ROVERS FC

Source: Daily_Mail