Saturday, August 23, 2008

Blackburn 1-1 Hull


Hull's bright start to life in the top flight continued as they earned a battling point at Blackburn.
The Tigers were almost faultless in defence, faltering only once when Jason Roberts sprung the offside trap and flicked the ball home on 39 minutes.
But Hull drew level almost immediately when Richard Garcia looped a header over Paul Robinson and into the corner.
Rovers dominated possession after the break but failed to create any clear-cut chances.
It was a rude awakening for Rovers boss Paul Ince, who received a rapturous reception from the Rovers fans on his home debut - helped, no doubt, by an impressive 3-2 win at Everton on the opening day.
His side toiled for much of the first half against hard-working Hull.
Roque Santa Cruz, who committed his future to the club in midweek, was kept quiet by the outstanding Michael Turner and only Morten Gamst Pedersen threatened to break the deadlock in a turgid opening spell when he half-volleyed inches wide from the edge of the box.
The game sprung to life when Roberts easily beat the offside trap to latch on to Reid's lofted pass and flick the ball into the top corner.
But Hull hit back immediately, Fagan providing the cross from the right for Garcia to lift a precise header over Paul Robinson and into the far corner.
Blackburn were forced into a change at half-time with David Dunn - one of the few players providing a spark of creativity - forced off with an injury to be replaced by Brett Emerton.
Rovers continued to have the better of the possession, but Hull - and in particular Turner - looked comfortable in defence.
Santa Cruz twice threatened from distance, a thumping shot looping off a defender and into Boaz Myhill's arms before a curling right-foot effort fizzed narrowly over the bar.
But that was as good as it got for Blackburn and Hull might even have snatched a late winner when Caleb Folan - whose goal sealed the opening day win over Fulham - put a well-struck volley into the keeper's arms and then Sam Ricketts' low effort was also collected by Robinson.
Nonetheless, a sizeable travelling support went home happy after seeing their side make it four points from six in an encouraging start to the season.

No comments: