4:52pm Saturday 7th November 2009
Blackburn Rovers won their fourth straight home League game over a Portsmouth side still languishing at the foot of the table.
Rovers went in at the break behind, after Jamie O'Hara found space 25 yards out and beat the outstretched hand of Paul Robinson to nestle in the corner.
The fans became restless but the home side still struggled to create any sort of chance, with the only talking point being Pascal Chimbonda's wild swing on O'Hara.
A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3.
A more attacking Blackburn though meant more spaces for Portsmouth to exploit, and Younes Kaboul should've put the visitors 2-0.
From an O'Hara free kick the defender found space in the box, but put his header over the bar.
Two minutes later and Rovers were level as substitute Roberts pulled his side back into it after good work in the box.
David Dunn's corner was knocked down by Ryan Nelsen, and the striker proved an inspired sub as he turned and flicked the ball past David James.
Blackburn's extra numbers in attack changed the impetus completely, with the away side struggling to break past the half way line.
As the half wore on Portsmouth came back into it, and the the game began to become very open.
Chances fell to both sides, but it was Blackburn who found the third goal of the game as the visitors were undone by another corner.
David Dunn once again drifted it in, and captain Ryan Nelsen powered it home to put his side infront.
Blakcburn finishd the much stronger of the two sides, and created plenty of chances to find a third. Jason Roberts duly ablidged, and poked home after Benni McCarthy delivered a pin point cross as the pressure was piled on following a corner.
After a very poor first half display the home side were much better of the sides in the second, and picked up a crucial win after what was a tough October.
Click here to view our gallery from the game.
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