Rovers gain vital win

Posted Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by PA

Sam Allardyce's Blackburn hauled themselves eight points clear of the relegation zone and left Hull deep in trouble with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Ewood Park.

Blackburn got the game's only goal in the 16th minute when Martin Olsson's effort was deflected in by goalkeeper Boz Myhill.

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. Hull are now just a point outside the bottom three.

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.

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.

Morten Gamst Pedersen delivered the free-kick and Ryan Nelsen got in a powerful header, only for Myhill to turn it over the top.

Hull responded and Stephen Hunt cleared the bar with his effort inside the area after being set up by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Play switched back down the other end and Myhill did well to claw away a header from El-Hadji Diouf in the 12th minute.

It was an open game and a minute later Paul Robinson parried Vennegoor of Hesselink's shot after good work by Hunt.

Blackburn opened the scoring after Morten Gamst Pedersen set Olsson scampering away down the left. The full-back's shot from the by-line got a final touch off Myhill, for an own goal.

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.

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.

Then Kalinic failed to get a vital touch for Blackburn after Michel Salgado's effort has been blocked.

Hull's troubles increased when they were reduced to 10 men.

Boateng was red-carded after needing treatment following a challenge on Pedersen in the middle of the park.

Blackburn went close to extending their lead in the 43rd minute after an inswinging corner from Diouf.

Nelsen was about to pounce at the back post but Myhill was able to touch the ball to safety.

The visitors again found themselves on the back foot in the 54th minute when Olsson released Steven Nzonzi but he dragged his effort wide.

There was little respite for Hull and Kalinic sent an ambitious half-volley wide.

Brett Emerton should have extended Blackburn's lead in the 68th minute when Diouf sprung the offside trap.

Emerton got a good first touch but his shot was weak and Myhill was able to make the block.

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.

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.

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.