Having been away in Birmingham since the finish of the match I had time to reflect whilst visiting the dark city and its bazaar of curry takeouts and restuarants ! On the way to the match I never once had the feeling that we would lose indeed I would have been happy with a draw and a precious point. The game started and Rovers pressed pressed and pressed without reward, a serious waste of corner kicks and free kicks had me thinking that any moment Palace would sneal one against the run of play. bang on half time, MGP picks his spot and the ball eventually nestles in the net, 1-0 Rovers IMO game set and match. During the half time the lad behind us in the Blackburn End received a text message from a "friend" indicating that there had been trouble in the tunnel as the players walked off, no names no details. The second half was non stop Rovers, plenty of chances but unable to score. Poor Stead run his socks off, tried and just couldnt get the final finish. His efforts alone deserved a goal even if his finishing let him down. There was no way Palace were going to score even with the non existant clock and board from the Officials. So, 3 points, safety ensured unless we concede an almighty amount of goals (KEEP AMORUSO AWAY). On the way out an old fella tells me Norwich have scored in the 93rd minutes sending Sounesses' tearful army down the table in freefall, all the other results have gone Rovers way and we are comfortably up the table in 14th. So on the night, not a pretty game of football but a necessary performance to secure the points. Thats all that mattered. The downside of our victory was simply the chances that went begging. Matteo, Stead, Emerton and the miss of the season from Reid, who spoiled another great performance in front of the The Blackburn End. The 17000 faithful were great, plenty of atmosphere and a resounding support for Andy Todd, how quickly the semi final defeat was forgotten. So where do we go from here ? well clearly Rovers now face 3 relatively tricky ties. City are on a roll but a win for us will put us 2 points behind them. Then its the two midland games away. WBA are gonna be well and truly up for it as it is their game in hand. They should be on a high following the recent results however I see this to Rovers advantage. Playing on the break will suit us here. Brum away next Saturday is the game they will all be wanting to see in the Midlands. The return of the former HERO to his former hunting ground. Its another game I see Rovers getting another positive result. How nice it will be to see that fat pig Brady's smug face when they get beat ! In The Balti Bazaar in Birmingham last night I had the pleasure of the company of a blue nose. An interesting chat and he informed me that the fans have a surprise for our Robbie next weekend. Cant wait

1-1 differnet bolton team in the second half saints sounding good

looks like Amo might have to clean his boots if Toddy gets his marching orders

1-0 half time. Sounds like Saints are very poor, fulham also drawing 0-0 in another drab game. hope it dont set the tone for tomorrow

1-0 Bolton come on winkers

Did anyone hear the radio 5 interview of Harry earlier on ? Now he sonds a desperate man resigned to relegation

Plea and directions before 6pm tomorrow. Probable trial Thursday wsith all the misguided reports and negativity I wonder if he will receive a fair trial

I will tell you this. I left Cardiff extremely proud to be a Rovers supporter. Although perplexed (probably because it was 2hrs minus alcohol ) I was proud to be there, proud to be dressed in blue and white and although we got beaten 3-0 I was proud as punch marching around Cardiff with my shirt on as were thousands of others. You cant say that of many Arsenal supporters although the ones we were with were good lads/lasses. We all wanted a shock result but I am sure that 98% of us accepted that it would be a win against all odds. The way Rovers supporters and the team conducted themselves is a credit. As for Sourness ? well WHO ARE YA ? WHO ARE YA ?

didnt see jimbos post on the AT Thread, apologies

charged just at 5.30 just before 6pm cut off

dont let him get to you Abster, I have heard the same for pne and bumely, both had home games this weekend and the total never reached above 26500 ! Now that says it all about both sets of supporters

Aside of my prediction (1-1). One thing we as Rovers supporters need to do on Wednesday is to get behind the team like we did at Cardiff, this will help the team through the early stages as the diappointment of Saturday looms on their minds. We have to get behind them from the first minute.

I agree GK I wonder what the headlines will be like when at least 3 palace players leave the pitch carrying injuries ? No doubt the headlines will use Rovers as an excuse Cant wait until Wednesday night

Rovers supporters, get over it. Should the press get bored by Tuesday they may just switch their sights to Bolton if they win in midweek. I mean, Bolton in the Champions League, how dare they

A few answers to the unanswered firstly, pre match the reason why there so few Arsenal fans around is that they were already in the ground drinking tea and coffee and eating whatever whilst the whole blue and white army were supping the pubs dry, walking around admiring the City whilst displaying their pride in the colours of our great club. Secondly, and probably more importantly, film buffs will know that a second version of that well known American vietnam film is shortly to be made and the Arsenal had invited the Director of that film to have a look at their players who all wanted to audition for parts as extras and finally, the reason why the Arsenal fans were so quiet is that there were so many foreigners (and that is not being racist I might add) that they simply couldnt speak to each other having no understanding of the others language. I think its called in its correct form (no speakie de Inglish!).

I hope your drunk Tash. The Geordies only have their fans to be proud of. Even little ant and dec got in on the tv along with Fat Bobbie who thought he was clever giving the camera the fingers ! That team, although decimated by injury and suspension was poor. The defence was wide open from the first minute. The midfield was nowhere near good enough to compete with the manure midfield. The attack was toothless albeit for about 10 minutes of the game. Players such as Robert is an absolute disgrace, he cant tackle, cant run,strolls around like he is a god, cant pass and certainly cannot cross. Just having him out there ensured NUFC payed with 10 men from the off. Souness's tactics blew up in his face. His defensive frailties were brutally exposed, it really should have been 6 or 7. If he has money to spend he needs a complete defence to build around Boumsong, another player who started well but was exposed too much in the second half. The midfield is in a shocking state. It reminds me of Rovers early season, no effort, no passion and no fight. Up front Shearer is left to feed on scraps, his partner nowhere near good enough to support him. Ameobi should not have started before Kluivert. Its just an observation but NUFC could really find themselves hurtling down the league now. After this week Newcastle could easily find themselves below Rovers if all goes well for us. They have a difficult run in, their confidence is shattered and they are playing on an individual basis with no teamwork. How good it would be to see them below us in the league come next Sunday evening

considering the game is only 6 days away I think not ! got to appreciate the time etc, work commitments and other things such as time to consider !!

Well, back to reality and the Premier League this week with two successive home games versus Palace and Man City, two games which we SHOULD be able to take 6 points from. This despite the fact that we as a club may be on a downer following the result in Cardiff. As a final note to Cardiff, the Rovers supporters conducted themselves with dignity in defeat and pride in the way that we got behind our team despite Arsenal fans outnumbering us. So then, to the game against City. As with Den, I have a set of friends that are CITY MAD so I know exactly what supporting City is all about. Its simply a rolleroaster of a ride for the one team in Manchester. Over the past few seasons they have experienced relegation several times, promotion several times, a series of managers, the hype over the Keegan affair and now have put all their trust in the new manager Pearce. A lot of supporters are annoyed a tthe way the club is run and especially after the Le Sulk sale which although yeilded an income of a transfer fee of £5m, it also at the same time led to the publication of a debt of around £68m. City are also dogged by a notorious group around 200 fans who find pleasure in taking the hooliganism factor to away grounds, those who were present when they beat us 4-1 at home a few years ago will remember them. After all is said and done about City one thing is certainly very evident. They have the most resilient of supporters and play regularly in front of 44k fans at home, they have an enormous away following and sell out every away ticket allocation except Chelsea ! Earlier on this season both me and Den travelled with City supporters from Euxton, enjoying their company in the Talbot and then the short journey to the COMS. On arrival we were allowed into the City bar where the atmosphere can only be described as BOUNCING. Den was po-going to the Sex Pistols and in general it was a true football fans drinking den. Onto the game and we snatched a 1-1 draw with our first penalty of the season, we finished the game with a point when we really should have taken all 3. so to the return match. City come to Ewood on a half decent run of results, a couple of away draws and a home win have seen them inject some confidence into the way they play, and all of this without the very influential Shaun Wright Phillips. They will come to Ewood full of confidence and looking for an elusive away win under the guidance of Pearce. so what type of City team will turn up ? I asked a friend of mine, Bob, who is a long standing season ticket holder at City and a staunch blue nosed supporter who watches every City game through light blue tinted glasses who provided me with the following information. Now then Bob, City come to Ewood with a couple of decent results under their belts, how do you see City approaching the game at Blackburn. a. City are the Walter Mitty of football. It is impossible to see or say exactly what type of team City will turn out at Ewood, a ground that holds many memories for me. I would hope the return of SWP will boos tht esquad but City are the type of team to get him back then lose 4-0 having had to change their team to accomodate him. What was your honest reaction to the news that City had sacked or agreed to let Kevin Keegan leave the club ? a. To be honest I expected it to happen a lot sooner. Its quite clear that City players did not enjoy his way of playing and it was evident that certain players disagreed with his formations on the pitch. I think he was simply responsible for the destruction of what was a good team spirit. How do you see the club going forward with Stuart Pearce at the helm, do you see your club backing him in the transfer market ? a. I am unsure about this one. He has certainly got the bit between the teeth but then again he is wanting the job full time. He shows his passion on the sidelines its just a pity that some of the players cant ever seem to get motivated. As for backing him, he has got the club moving forward, the results show that, its on the transfer front I forsee problems. The club is massively in debt and I cant see where the money is going to come from. We only have one option and that is to raise funds by selling players. Its that that worries me. In repsonding to your last comments, which player or players do you see as saleable assets ? a. Clearly SWP is the main option, I am not so sure about him being valued at £18m, another player is Joey Barton but again he wont bring in big money. How do you rate the Old guard in the form of Fowler, McMananaman and James ? a. There is no doubt that Fowler is a man reborn. he will be a danger to Rovers. McManaman is an enigma who is always injured, I am unsure as to whether he will play, James is James ! Sometimes he is good even very good but on others he is simply BAD. It all depends on his attitude on the day. Who is City's player of the season ? a. Our own fatboy Richard Dunne. A player simply transformed. What formation can we expect and who are the players to look out for ? a. SWP if he plays is a threat, Joey Barton can be very good at getting forward and he aint afraid to out the challenge in. Down the left we have Musampo, a talented player who can score goals as well as miss a lot of decent chances ! A simple 4-4-2 with reynal backing up the forward line. What is your vie of Mark Hughes and Blackburns season ? a. He is or was a red so I wont comment. On Rovers season, they must be very disappointed but pleased with the way the the club has got out of the relegation mire. The cup run may have been a blessing in disguise. Is there any Rovers players that your team should fear ? a. I like the look of Pederson, Dickov always scores against us,I am very impressed with the defensive qualities of the team and I like many other City fans despise Savage ! Finally, a prediction for the scoreline. a. I think the game may be a draw unless Rovers give out a backlash for the cup result. Another pointer is the midweek games, if you beat Palace then you can move above us. 1-1. so then its Palace then City. 6 points could take us as high as 12th, now wouldnt that make up for the heartbreak of Yesterday ?

1-1 the result at Cardiff comes home to roost and the players have to take a long hard look a themselves following the constant criticism and fall out of saturdays game

Now then heres my view after a day on the ###### and a superb day out in the Prinicipaility. First of all EVERY Rovers fan can take pride, the fans were superb and around Cardiff both pre and post match, the city was just a colourful Blue and White, very little arse in the pubs and no sign of maks or barcodes ! Rovers were undone by a far classier team however they didnt deserve to lose 3-0. The game passed us by with the constant stopping of the game by cynical and petty fouls from both teams and despite being comfortable we lose a goal right on half time. From that point we were always up against it. Those blaming Lucas take a long hard look at Thompsons role. He is the only Rovers player that should be blamed, running around like a clown, although granted he did have a good first 10 minutes ! He should clearly have been sent off in the first half but got lucky. He is NOT the player he used to be. The game was summed up by a serious lack of atmosphere from the Gooners. 3 chants all game, each for every goal and the odd rendition of Arsenal ! Compared to the constant singing, flag waving northern monkies ! I didnt mind losing yesterday, I was lucky enough to be there. The thing that DID get to me was the sight of the young girl in front of me, probably no more than 12 yrs of age, breaking down in tears as the final whistle went. Her mum and dad should be proud of her. It brought tears to the eye seeing that kid in that state and it brought home that BRFC have young supporters that LOVE the club. After the game we had a serious session around the city, having been on the razz since 0500hrs it was a long time. Ask Leftwinger, he had a great day out. One of the funniest sights to recall was outside a pub called the slug and lettuce, the Rovers fan that was so drunk he could hardly stand up providing constant entertainment for the hordes massed in the pub and street a class act I hope he survived the journey home ! worst part of the day ? NOTHING enjoyed it fully although on our way home we had a serious bit of entertainment. Anyone wanna see my dog ? (its a long tale but a funny one )

Just had a great email from the editor of the allgooneredup website. Sounds like they are also looking forward to Cardiff. They would appear to have ultimate respect for BRFC especially after we whooped spuds at Cardiff a couple of years ago. Anyhow thats me I am off to the pub, my Rovers gear is all ready, the alarm clock is set and the Bud is in the fridge. To all Rovers supporters, have a great day and lets show the football world that yes we are a town team but one that England can be proud of. Come ON you Blues

any ideas as to how the sales have progressed today ?

Just listenend to Arsen whinger, very honest opinion of Rovers, clearly indicated no terry 'enry or sol campbell. Agree that they have quality though the like sof Reyes and V Persil do not exactly like being wound up or roughly challenged, both those two,dennis and vierra have tempers and I cant wait now. Just got the wifes birtheday do to get through then I can fully look forwards to Cardiff COME ON YOU MIGHTY BLUES

I dont believe it either Kamy, we have seen this type of mindgame before. Until I see the team on the screen in the MS then I will believe that he is playing. Would be a positive though. BTW still 2 places on our coach available. Leaves Leyland 4.30am. Any takers bell me asap as after 4pm I wont be back on the board until Sunday

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness claimed "things conspired against" his side as they went out of the Uefa Cup. Sporting Lisbon won 4-1 in the second leg, going through 4-2 on aggregate, after the Magpies lost Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Jermaine Jenas. The injuries were such that Charles N'Zogbia, 18, had to finish the game with a suspected fractured collar bone. "We are very disappointed," said Souness. "We felt that things conspired against us." Souness added: "We had some golden opportunities to kill them off, and then we started to lose our better players with Jenas coming off at half-time, Titus coming off and then Kieron Dyer, who had been a real threat during the game, coming off. How can he say it's bad luck - he messed up big time From DBT Have your say on 606 "We knew we were under pressure then and when we had had our strongest 11, our starting 11, we were very confident, especially after getting the first goal. "But it shows how thin our squad is. We had some boys on there tonight and asked them to do a man's job. But that is the situation we find ourselves in. "There is nothing we can do about it. We will take this defeat on the chin and start to prepare now for a very hard game in Cardiff on Sunday (against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals). It's a shame - we had a great chance to win this tournament Kieron Dyer "If we had managed to keep our starting 11 on the pitch, I would not be sitting here telling this story, I think it would have been a very different story." N'Zogbia's season is probably now over, Souness revealed. "You might not see him again this year," he said. "We think he has broken his collar bone." Kieron Dyer admitted Newcastle self-destructed as they lost to Sporting Lisbon and missed out on a Uefa Cup semi-final against AZ Alkmaar. Dyer said: "To concede four goals - you don't deserve to win. We have shot ourselves in the foot. "We scored the first goal and were comfortable. It's a shame - we had a great chance to win this tournament. "Our defending was not good enough. For 60 minutes we were really comfortable and then we just blew a gasket." Dyer admitted Sunday's FA Cup tie now takes on even more significance. "We have got to pick ourselves up quickly," he added. "It is our only chance of silverware and getting into Europe so we have got to improve considerably." now where have we heard this before ?