ALL SQUARE IN 1st LEG

[Alan75]

Blackburn go one step nearer to a return to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff following a 1-1 draw in the 1st Leg of the Worthington Cup Semi Final at Old Trafford.

After a goal less first half, United, against the run of play, took the lead in the 57 min through a scrappy goal from Scholes off Beckhams cross, but Rovers were level within 3 min thanks to David Thompsons diving header from Gillespies right wing cross.

Tugay, controlled the midfield and won Skys Man of the Match award, however  Blackburns young defence deserved praise for an outstanding display of concentration up to the last minute when 17 year old McEverley cleared off the line.

Once again Blackburn Old Trafford jinx occurred when Lucas Neill was booked for a dive, when a tv replays indicated that Silvestre brought Neill down in the penalty area.

Teams.

United.

Barthez, G.Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre, Beckham, Veron, P.Neville, (Forlan 82min) Giggs,(Solskjaer 73min) Scholes, Nistelrooy.

Subs not used. Ricardo, Blanc, Oshea.

Rovers

Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Todd, McEverley, Thompson,(Jansen 65 min) Tugay, Flitcroft, Dunn,(Gillespie 18min) Cole, Yorke.

Subs not used. Kelly,Ostenstad, Johanssen.

Ref.   U. Rennie.

Yellow card. McEverley 44min Neill 87 min

                 P.Neville 55min

Half Time 0 - 0.

Goal scorers

Scholes 57 min

Thompson 60 min

Full Time 1 - 1