MATCHES

2018: Rovers 3–1 Shrewsbury A classic Charlie Mulgrew free-kick and penalty combination plus a Danny Graham goal settled this crucial promotion clash in League One. Elliott Bennett and Richie Smallwood enjoyed an afternoon crashing into tackles in the middle.

2008: Bolton 1–2 Rovers Chris Samba’s header cancelled out a superb volley by Kevin Nolan in Sky’s Sunday 4pm match. Then substitute Jason Roberts charged through the Bolton defence in added time and beat Jussi Jääskeläinen via a slight deflection.

2007: Rovers 0–2 Arsenal An early sending off for Gilberto Silva for kicking out at Robbie Savage wasn't enough to help Rovers in this 5:15pm kick-off. Kolo Toure headed in and Thierry Henry scored one of his greatest goals after a counter-attacking move with Cesc Fabregas.

2001: Rovers 2–0 Sheffield Wednesday Rovers were ramping up the promotion push with five wins out of six over the festive period. Marcus Bent and Martin Taylor both struck again, a week after scoring in the 2–0 FA Cup win over Chester City.

1996: QPR 0–1 Rovers A trademark Alan Shearer header gave the defending Premier League Champions the first win on their travels in 1995/96. Rovers were wearing the previous season’s change kit – purportedly to lift the away day hoodoo.

1990: Rovers 1–2 Leeds United Eventual Division Two Champions Leeds came to Ewood and took the honours in front of 14,485 despite a goal from Simon Garner.

1986: Rovers 3–2 Nottingham Forest Rovers stunned Brian Clough’s First Division team in this FA Cup third round replay on a Monday night. John Lowey scored the pick of the goals.

1960: Rovers 4–1 Sunderland On the road to Wembley, Rovers convincingly won an FA Cup third round replay with goals from Roy Vernon (2), Ally MacLeod and Louis Bimpson 

BIRTHDAYS

John Forbes, born 1862, died 1928. Scottish full-back who won two FA Cups.

Nils-Eric Johansson, born 1980 (aged 43). League Cup winning Swedish defender.

Tom Lawrence, born 1994 (aged 29). Loanee from Leicester City in 2015/16.