Ty’s rocket kills Royals
2
LINDSAY SUTTON
By at Ewood Park READING fell to another fast-action goal blitz as Blackburn hit two strikes in just three minutes.
Rovers’ opener was a final reward for Sam Gallagher’s constant menace up front, his fifth goal of the season ahead of a super solo strike from Tyrhys Dolan.
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray had warned his side that the Royals would be “smarting” after Blackpool dished out similar treatment by hitting three goals midweek.
But though the visitors had the better of a pretty dull first half, Blackburn showed off their battling best to grab their first win in five games. Mowbray praised his two goalscorers, saying: “Gally is such an athlete and shows great stamina levels, as well as putting in goals.
“As for young Tyrhys, he runs, closes down and chases. He’s an undeniable talent and he gets into amazing positions for us.
“He’s an amazing guy and an amazing human being – and the goal he scored was a cracker.”
Royals boss Veljko Paunovic added: “It was the same as the last game against Blackpool.
“Everything seemed under control and then we gave away two unnecessary goals. I’m so disappointed that we didn’t score when
BLACKBURN: Kaminski 6, Nyambe 7 (Poveda 60, 6), Ayala 6 (Van Hecke 38, 6), Lenihan 6, Edun 6, Travis 7, Rothwell 8 (Johnson 85), Dolan 8, Buckley 6, Brereton 6, Gallagher 8. Subs not used: Pears, Khadra, Butterworth, Clarkson. READING: Southwood 7, Yiadom 6, Moore 5, Dann 6, Rahman 6, Laurent 6, Drinkwater 6, Dele-bashiru 6, Swift 6, Ejaria 6 (Clarke 84), Azeez 5 (Puscas 37, 4). Subs not used: Rafael, Holmes, Camara, Osirio, Ashcroft. MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Gallagher. Rewarded for his non-stop effort with the crucial opener. REFEREE: Tony Harrington 7. we were on top and had the chances. We paid the price.”
Rovers’ breakthrough came after Joe Rothwell wove his way through Reading’s defence to beat keeper Luke Southwood, only for his shot to bounce back off the foot of a post.
But the predatory Gallagher was on hand and the trusty striker found the net with a tap-in.
Next up was 19-year-old Dolan, who is showing a maturity and a goal threat well beyond his age.
The quicksilver hitman raced through the Reading defence to get in a wellplaced effort beyond the reach of keeper Southwood and into the net.
Yet the Royals went on the attack from the start, and only last-ditch blocks kept out efforts by Ovie Ejaria and Josh Laurent. John Swift tried his best, but was unable to add to his eightgoal tally for the season.
Blackburn played three up front, including Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz, who tried valiantly, but failed to add to his 10 Championship strikes.
Gallagher was a constant threat. From a beautifully threaded pass by Rothwell, he unleashed a blockbuster that hit the woodwork.
He was then foiled by keeper Southwood and fired another thunderous effort wide.