On Friday February 23rd 2001 Blackburn won four-one at the Reebok Stadium in Horwich, thus taking three points off near neighbours and nearest rivals for the second automatic promotion spot from the Nationwide to the Premiership Promised Land. Both teams had been there before, though for Bolton it had only been in fleeting glimpses whilst Blackburn had been founders and winners of the recently reformed English top flight. The win saw Rovers tighten there grip on second spot, whilst Wanderers, although they gave chase right up to the last couple of weeks, probably knew then that the game was up-Rovers had simply destroyed them that night, and two further games between the two teams in the fifth round of the FA cup gave further evidence that this was the case. Both teams did eventually get promoted, Rovers after a glorious win at Deepdale over Preston, whilst Bolton doubled the Lilywhites dose of reality when they overpowered them in the play off final in Cardiff. At the start of he following season in the Premiership , Rovers began against a wobbling Derby, and unfortunately lost on a poorly given offside, whilst down the road at Filbert Street the Wanderers gleefully rammed five past the Foxes without reply. The two games between Blackburn and Bolton that season both ended in draws. After a nervy 10 months back both teams managed to avoid a swift return to the footballing under classes, Rovers finally finishing a creditable 10th , thanks in no small part to the purchase of Andrew Cole, whilst Bolton struggled to a nervy 16th, saved also by an astute purchase, this time in the shape of enigmatic French playmaker Youri Djorkaeff. The following season saw Rovers back in Europe, on the back of a magnificent cup victory in the league cup, and again defy the odds and footballing gravity and clinch sixth place, whilst Bolton again had the locals on Prozac prescriptions by saving themselves with a last day win over Middlesbrough. Rovers had Duff, Dunn, Jansen and Cole. Bolton had Michael Ricketts. But the tide was turning. Allardyce was becoming cute in the transfer market, picking up seemingly lost causes and misfits for buttons, and turning them into solid, work orientated team players. Djorkaeff, Campo, Laville came, then more-Pedersen, Davies and the coup de grace, Jay Jay Okocha. Okocha had starred in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea and Sam really signaled his intent by securing his talents from under the noses of several other, much bigger European clubs. Indeed, in 2004 they emulated Blackburn in getting to the league Cup final, although they lost to give Middlesbrough their first ever trophy. Rovers meanwhile, after finishing sixth and qualifying for Europe twice began to falter. The loss of Duff, compensated for by a chunk of Rubles, handicapped the team. Cole started to sulk, Jansen fell of his bike, Dunn fell out with Souness, and results suddenly became more difficult to find. Souness used the Chelsea cash to invest in his second love, Glasgow Rangers. First Amorouso, then Ferguson came down the M6. Three months in, and it became apparent the Amorouso was clearly not up to the job, and Ferguson’s knee exploded on the pitch at St James Park. That season, only an inspired purchase in the shape of Jon Stead saved Rovers as they stumbled to 15th while Bolton were cruising to an eighth place finish. This was to be Souness last full season at the club. The following season Rovers again struggled, and as Souness jumped before he was pushed, Bolton were again proving that you don’t always need a gazillion quid to upset the big boys. They took four points off Le Arsenal, and rubbed Chelsea and one or two others up the wrong way too. Progress was sound and they finished in a European spot for the first time ever. Meanwhile up the A666, Mark Hughes had been recruited and, after a poor start, got the some pride back in the Blue and white halves. Slowly but surely, he put the wheels back on and Rovers managed a final place fifteenth. Ironically, during the four seasons since both clubs were promoted, the champions of that season and arguably the best side of the three at the time, Fulham have had nothing like the success that the town Lancashire sides enjoyed. The two teams that played out that match at the Reebok in 2001, only Freidel and Jansen remain at Ewood, whilst at the Reebok only Gardner and Nolan are still left. Mark Hughes, who came on as sub that game, is of course now manager. This is the record of the two teams in the four full seasons since 2001. Blackburn P 152 W 49 D 45 L 58 F 190 A 176 Bolton P 152 W 49 D 48 L 55 F 182 A 213 Very similar, more so than I thought they would be. The match this Saturday is a 5.15PM kick off, live on Sky. Heres hoping for another 4-1.

Because Phil is suggesting that the draw will be made by Jansen, who could use it as a final farewell. Last game against QPRat Ewood, December 9th 2000. 0-0 draw. Rovers Freidel Curtis Kenna Short Berg Flitcroft McAteer Jansen Bent Hughes Duff Att 16,886

Steven Reids goal was awarded third in Soccer AMs plays of the week last night,.

Wonder how ticket sales are going for this game, Lee?

I'll allow that.

One a slightly more sober note... Matts Finest Hour?

The next time Matt plays at Ewood for whoever we should sing "Two Matt Jansens, there's only two Matt Jansens" IE The old, really good one and then the one after he fell of his bike and couldn`t play footy any more. Thats the two Matt Jansens. Dya get it? Might cure him?

After years of hoping he would come back to his old self.... Shazbat.

Can everyone stop saying "Banana Skin"?

I know it goes against common thinking but playing at home first is actually better for us in this one. They don't have to win it at our place to progress, maybe happy with a draw. Then who knows at Old Trafford? Got a result once there already, and pressure would be all on them.

Same game last season drew 20,647 on Saturday 18th September-Hughes first match in charge. A few more came up from Portsmouth though I seem to recall.

Had a quick scen round, not much on the QPR forums yet. Found a couple of threads.. LSA Nessage Board Predictions LSA Thread On Singing QPR Rivals Thread Official Site Ticket Sales Official Site Preview Quite looking forward to this one, makes a pleasant change to Premiership pressure. Feel we really should win it obviously, 2-0 would do me. Think we could run into fixture congestion shortly though with all this success...

M Gray was my man of the match V Wigan. Absolutely super performance.

Just back from Wigan, now off to get sober. Ace day out, great support from Rovers, I wish all away games were like this! Where were you at Goddison ???

Best wishes Cloggy!

Gotta be just the ones inside the ground. Anyone got any plans for a meet up in Wigan in a pub? Cherry Gardens perhaps?

Not having been here since before the Sunderland game, I hadn`t really thought of it as a real problem for anyone, except long distance travelling supporters. Now I notice a thread nine pages long...jeez guys get a life. This used to happen all the time in the olden days before Sky. You expected games off most seasons.

Went there pre Everton game this season, very small, good grub good ale.

Bring back the Vulcan.

Borussia monchengladbach?

There will be no problem with getting tickets for the final should we win the semi. We wouldn`t fill our end if they were free.

Might as well just lose tonight then eh?

Agreed. This is, and has always been Rovers in a nutshell.

Bit quiet here this morning.

Yes but is he any good?