Paul Mellelieu

Out new set piece coach is earning his corn.

Penalty, surely.

Yes, what a match. A huge crowd, thousands from Devon painting the town green and what a chance to muck things up - nearly. My Grandpa who took me to Ewood from around 1970 would always leave with ten minutes to go and we would watch the game's final few minutes through the slats at the back of the Riverside. I'm sure we saw the last two goals go in from there. It would be great to have that feeling again, but maybe not in the 3rd Division.

All football fans do.

Erm, let's not forget the first season he was here, with a decent squad that nearly got relegated - how many games did it take for him to win at home? He did well until Xmas last season and then left for better pay, more resources and a shorter drive to work. A very good coach who was always passing through. There were plastic snakes in the 70s as I had one. Never felt the need to bring it to games and don't now.

TBH Eustace nearly got us relegated and had half a good season last year. A decent coach no doubt and as yesterday showed, he knows how to play this division. Giving ex-players and coaches stick is part of the hero/villian aspect of football. Take that out and you might as well watch chess.

Just.

I never took to Eustace.

I thought, you know I'll just make kick-off, so I'll pop into the club shop after the game, and I'll had a pie at half time. Not a lot to ask. I went to the food outlets at both ends of the Riverside and I think they were selling chips, until they ran out at halftime when I'd waited several minutes in the queue. I thought there must be an outlet in the "fanzone", so wandered around some very low quality stalls selling awful burgers and pizza. So I headed over to McD's bought a burger and then had to explain to the young man who stopped me that the Riverside was to the left of the BBE and not the right. So I'll get a programme, a 150 year t-shirt and something for my grandson. No I won't, the shop's closed. So the club lost £50. I did notice Yasir hanging around outside the BBE at halftime, I think to check in the kids' trip, whilst the leader of our protest movement bantered closely-by. The only highlight was a Derby fan falling over walking away from the ground and I was able to suggest that he'd fit right into Eustace's team, except he got up too quickly. Salmon, green wine and a long sulk this evening.

A melancholic afternoon. A rainbow welcomed me into Ewood for the first time this season. It was Rovers reserves vs Rovers rejects and we were outfought by a Wimbledon-style outfit, who nudged, fouled and dived all afternoon. We were better second half and worked very hard, but were very low on quality. No pies in the Riverside. Surely a first in 150 years.

It's not clear at all that the white kit is official. It does seem to feature the Marcon and Rovers' logos, but in the blurb it says: (bold added) "This commemorative shirt beautifully captures the essence of Rovers' illustrious past whilst embracing modern performance standards. The classic design features the iconic blue and white halved shirt that has become synonymous with Blackburn's rich heritage, evoking memories of legendary players and historic triumphs, including the club's remarkable Premier League title victory in 1995."

I think Alebiosu is nudging ahead of the lad who went to 'Boro.

A hard working performance with two well-taken goals. A good effort from meagre ingredients, which is why it will be toad-in-the hole tonight,

They should of course be toasting us, but we look like we might score, which must be putting them under pressure. Can't see us keeping the lead though.

Well done big-G. He's playing well and was in the right place.....