Damage Done In First Half.

[Alan75]

Despite a spirited second half fight back, 10 man Rovers failed to pick up any points against Newcastle at Ewood this afternoon.

A lack lustre first half display by Rovers resulted in them going in 2 – 0 and a man down after Henchoz was sent off in the 40th minute for a professional foul.

Newcastle took the lead on the half hour mark through Martin and increased their advantage 5 minutes later through Taylor.

In the 40 minute things went from bad to worst for Rovers, when Henchoz was controversially sent off for a professional foul.

Rovers came out for the second half full of battling spirit and were rewarded with a goal within a minute of the restart when Pedersen curled in a shot from 30 yards.

However despite their spirited fight back the equalizing goal never arrived and with the final whistle looming Rovers threw everyone up front, including Friedel for a corner. Unfortunately the ball broke for Newcastle and with the Rovers goal unattended, Martins slotted in his second of the afternoon and Newcastles third.

Final Score Rovers 1 Newcastle 3.