It's all Rover

And thousands of tired and disappointed Rovers fans, up since dawn to get to Cardiff for the FA Cup semi final showdown with Arsenal, had to endure the long journey home dreaming of what might have been.

A 3-0 defeat, coupled with stinging criticism of the way their team had played and defender Andy Todd in the national spotlight for a challenge of Arsenal's two-goal hero Robin Van Persie, meant nothing seemed to have gone right for Mark Hughes' team.

Rovers fans who watched the defeat in pubs across Blackburn could not hide their disappointment either.

Two fans who watched the match in The Fernhurst were determined to win after placing bets before kick-off.

Ian Armstrong, 34, Harwood Street, Darwen, said: "I am so disappointed. We had got our hopes up a bit because we had got so far for the first time in ages.

"I don't think we deserved to lose by so many. We gave it a good go."

David Hilton, 33, of Branch Road, Lower Darwen, added: "I don't think we deserved to win really. I would have got £50 if we had, but on the day Arsenal played better. But 3-0 didn't reflect how well we did."

Susan Boagey, landlady at the pub, on Bolton Road, said: "The pub was full and the fans were keen but it didn't happen. They are all very disappointed now."

And Damien Hargreaves, 32, who works at The Fox and Hounds, Ewood, said: "I watched it in between serving. The result is harsh and I'm almost glad I had to work now or else I would have gone which would have made it even worse."

It may have been a day to forget for many, but for one lucky Blackburn punter it was the weekend of a lifetime.

Bookmakers William Hill today revealed that the man is £256,666 better off after a £130,000 bet on Manchester United beating Newcastle in the second semi-final and Rangers beating Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League.

Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "We don't know too much about the customer except that he is in his late 40s or early 50s, is believed to work outdoors, perhaps on a farm, and this is his first bet with us for a year."

l Are you the mystery punter? Contact our newsdesk on 01254 298220.