WOW! What a game! Rovers did themselves proud even though they lost it 2-1 in extra time. The commentators were always praising the Southampton academy and saying how the Saints are so wonderful and should win this cup at a cantor. Later they admitted that Blackburn Rovers just would not lie down and mentioned that we were quite young compared to Southampton. I'm very proud of the boys in blue and white tonight. First 20 minutes we played far better than at any time in the first leg. But when Southampton broke they looked dangerous. Half time came and still the score was 0-0. Second half saw the Saints take the lead with a well struck shot by their golden boy Ryan Seager. We seemed to be stirred out of our lethargy and a good cross from the left wing produced an own goal which really was due to our threat rather than them making a mistake. People in the pub thought I'd gone ballistic (which I had) because I was the only one actually interested in the game. We had had several players booked and they had too, a lot of these bookings are totally unwarranted in my opinion (according to the old laws of the game, not the modern version). Southampton had a player sent off for a second yellow which I thought was a ridiculous decision. Anyway it was us11 versus them 10 with about 15 minutes left. We didn't take advantage and the game petered out to extra time. Early in extra time their Sam Gallagher was persistent and scored the best goal of the game giving David Raya no chance. Rovers were so slow to respond I was screaming at them to get forward and "have a reet good go" but they only did this in the last few minutes. Overall I think the players played better than in the first leg at Ewood. And here is a quick resume of them. Raya..................................good as usual Nyambe ...........................good enough. Lavelle..............................consistent Jones...............................had a really good game. Seemed to be in the thick of it. Doyle............................much better performance than 1st leg Thomson.....................I'm not convinced about this lad. Went off injured. Bauress..........................again played well Rittenberg....................out on the left wing. Did some good things. Was subbed later. Carson.....................a nondescript game and was replaced by Hardcastle. Mahoney.............started well on the right. Then went on the left. As the game went on he became less effective. Mansell.......only 17 but worked hard up front as target man. Hardcastle.....came on for Carson. Improved the whole team. Could be a good player. Joel................came on for Thomson and did very little. He will not go forward, plays the ball sideways and backwards, treats the ball like it's a hot potato, and IMO is a very poor player. Tanner....the last of the subs. Did OK. Didn't light any fires. However I would like to say well done to the boys in blue and to Eric Kinder for producing such a close final that the national media were not prepared for. WELL DONE ROVERS !!!

30 minutes to kick-off. COYB

Which three were up front then Chaddy? I only saw Green and his replacement Mansell. And we very often play 4-5-1 not 4-4-2

Someone mentioned that the under 21s are taught to play like the first team. In hindsight I can see almost a mirror image of the first team in last night's final first leg. Green, a slightly built lad, on his own up front with no support. Two banks of defence and midfield. No-one with any real pace or craft. (Oh for another Damian Duff). In the second half constant passing out to a left winger who is a two footed player (a la Marshall) and the best creator of chances. In the main being second best in winning the second ball. Soaking up the pressure and hoping for a good break (but not enough pace). At times it really was like watching the first team.

Hey, steady on. I was calling the Southampton manager a pillock not you, chutchy face. Apology accepted.

What did he expect us to do? Lie down and let them steamroller us? Pillock! Incidentally, their No10 has the makings of a great player. Jake Hesketh. One to watch.

We enjoyed the game. It was good to see these players in the flesh for once instead of only hearing their names. I thought overall that Southampton were the better team. They made our keeper work harder than we did theirs. They were cool and calm on the ball when playing it out of defence and were faster on the counter attack. Having said that, we held them to a draw. We stopped them scoring but, really, we never looked like scoring whereas they looked very dangerous. 1 David Raya is very impressive; confident and competent. He will surely make a good first team keeper. (8) 2 Ryan Nyambe, the right back, also shows ability, Strong and fairly fast. (8) 3 Jack Doyle, left back. He was so-so, just about adequate. He didn't strike me as anyone special. (6) 4 Connor Thomson, centre midfield, sometimes lost the ball and looked a bit out of his depth yet showed brief flashes of ability as the game went on. (6) 5 Sam Lavelle and 6 Sam Jones were the two centre backs and both had a good game. Lavelle (8) Jones (7) 7 Devarn Green played up front as a lone striker and, like Rhodes, seemed abandoned; never received the support from his midfielders. Went off injured just before half time. (5) 8 Bradley Bauress, a busy midfielder always trying to create and supply the front men. (7) 9 Dean Rittenberg played out on the right wing. Had a reasonable game. He was brought off in added time. Was that for MOM applause? Not my MOM. (7) 10 David Carson, captain, a busy midfielder who got through a lot of work. He started like he was going to run the game for Rovers but faded slightly as the game wore on. (7) 11 Connor Mahoney played on the left wing. He had a great second half. He seems to be a two footed player, his left being the natural but in the first half he came across and down the right touchline and put over a superb cross with his right foot. Good player. (8) 15 Lewis Mansell came on for the injured Green and added a bit of beef up front. He got better as the game progressed and was better than Green had been. (7) Difficult to pick a MOM. In my opinion Mahoney, Lavelle, Nyambe and Raya were our best players. I'd like to see these four tried in the first team.

Just about to set off. Looking forward to this.

He certainly did. I recently mentioned him as one of the posters of long ago in the BPF (I'm back) thread. He became very interested when we were discussing the greatest ever Rovers team run by Den. Condolences to his family. RIP Tashor.

Eternal rest give unto him o Lord And let perpetual light shine upon him May he rest in peace. Never knew you, mate, but God bless you and your family.

I rest my case. Don't ask me for the lottery numbers though. I have bitten my nails right down during the second half. WHOOOHEEEE I think we're safe.

And now CKR out for the season. Put his shoulder out. The evil fairy is still gunning for us; determined to relegate us yet further.

You've forgotten about Nunes, Etuhu and who else? Grella??

So who would you have as left back and left wing? (from our current squad, of course)

I repeat my gut feeling about this game. We owe them one. GB must select a fighting, never-say-die team and tell them that this is their cup final. "Win at all costs", Brad Freidel 2002. Keep the ball on the ground, pass and run; always want the ball; play for each other; football is a team game; don't be greedy; attempt (now and again) to take on an opposition player and beat him. Funnily enough Millwall are my second favourite London club (after Fulham). Their best players are Chris Taylor and goalie Forde. Maybe Taylor is out injured; I hope so. Please, Rovers, prove me right with a win. Then we can sit back and enjoy the last two games.

Town players who impressed me were Paul Dixon at left back and striker Sean Scannell. Rovers players who impressed were Williamson, Kane, Dann, Givet and Goodwillie.

Williamson was MOM followed closely by Kane and Dann. Goodwillie's performance was amazing. He was the best of the substitutes. I reckon he deserves a start ahead of Best. Rovers team has now got shape. They are much better than when managed by Appleton or Berg. Keep up the good work GB

Is she (or was she, rather) still our Honorary vice president?

Also wearing seat belts in a car? And not being allowed to use my mobile phone? Might as well have someone walking in front with a red flag.

I thought they were compulsory.

May I take this opportunity to have a whinge and a rant and to offer some advice. I commiserate with all cyclists who complain about unthinking and idiotic motorists. I am always extremely careful when driving where there are horses and cyclists. I give way to both. BUT.......Cyclists, please do not go through red traffic lights. The Highway code applies to you as well as us. And pedestrian crossings are for pedestrians so if you want to use them, dismount and walk. My main concern is when I am a pedestrian and have to share the same path as cyclists. I would not mind doing this if cyclists showed as much respect for pedestrians as they expect from motorists. But they don't. Most bicycles I see have no bell fitted. There should be a law to make it an offence to ride a bicycle which has no bell. Riders should be encouraged to ring the bell at every opportunity. Please, please, all you cyclists, fit a bell and use it, especially well before passing pedestrians who have their backs to you. And remember that they may be deaf and not hear you. Places that I nearly get run over by cycles are the Guild Wheel around Preston, and Lytham promenade to Fairhaven. Only three times in the past two years do I remember saying "Thanks for the bell warning" to considerate cyclists. So, think on!

Yes. A good couple of hours. I dragged Mrs bazza to the show (she doesn't follow football). She thought it was well done and enjoyed herself after all. Well done to the organisers and perpetrators. PS I see you didn't get a photo of me, Clare. Never mind, hey. Might have broke your camera

The only one I can think of who could probably write a good sermon is Bob Fleming.

TAFKAP, I don't know how old you are but you should learn that half of Bamber Bridge have been Rovers supporters since time immemorial. Get used to it.

Way back in time, I remember that a single horse-drawn hearse came through Bamber Bridge with at least one Rovers player seated on it. Bill Eckersley was one and Clayton or Douglas or both gave their services. Perhaps someone close to the players could persuade one or two to take part. It's all part of the fun. The more senior players should be targeted such as Dunn or Pedersen. If they are abroad with the squad, maybe past players such as Kevin Gallagher, Simon Garner or even Matt Darbyshire, Gary Flitcroft or Matt Jansen.