Blank canvas for artists of Ewood
BLUE-EYED BOY’S BLACKBURN VIEW
THE first home game of any new season is rich with possibilities; a blank canvas awaiting the oils, brush strokes and perhaps a palette knife flourish.
When it comes hard on the heels of a fully deserved promotion, then the anticipation of the fans to see a masterpiece revealed is unsurprisingly heightened. In a division that boasts, if that’s the right word, ten of the teams that were founder members of the Premier League, a glance down the fixture list evokes memories of bygone days. A fixture list that contrives to proffer Millwall as the first visitors to Ewood might, therefore, be described as anti-climactic at best, downright disappointing at worst. Millwall rarely have been described as attractive opposition; revelling in their “no one likes us” persona to such an extent that even a 2004 FA Cup final appearance against Manchester United didn’t endear them to many neutrals. Mind you, Dennis Wise as player-manager…
That said, Saturday’s test against one of the surprise packages of last season’s Championship served ultimately both as a reality check against premature optimism but also to set something of a benchmark as to what can be achieved with a squad of well-drilled, physically honed, tactically organised players, led by a down to earth, respected manager. Rovers resplendent in their new, paler than usual, “Cambridge blue” kit, contrived also to look, initially at least, like pale imitations of last year’s p r o motion- wi n n i n g incarnation. In a first half, in which they were largely out muscled and out thought by their opponents, Millwall did the simple things well; essentially, pass accurately, move quickly and shoot when the opportunities presented themselves.
Rovers set off in preseason friendly mode it seemed, unaware that their opponents were champing at the bit. Listless, sluggish and reluctant to keep possession, it was all a little dispiriting as Millwall dictated the pace early on.
First Saville and then Morison took advantage of gaping holes through the centre of Rovers midfield to hit each of the uprights in turn. Morison’s effort in particular defying physics to come back off the post at the angle it did.
Evans and Smallwood were notionally assigned to form a protective shield in front of the back four but time and time again, Millwall passed by them, around them and through them. Possession was given away repeatedly, notwithstanding the song lyrics, the “King of Ewood” seemed to have abdicated, but in fairness, he wasn’t alone in needing a recalibration of his passing radar. A welcome but rare spell of pressure just before half time saw Rovers win a free kick on the edge of the area and it was Bradley Dack rather than Charlie Mulgrew who struck a sharp effort goalwards, a fine save from Jordan Archer foiling Rovers. Neither the first nor the only time that would happen as events transpired. Rovers then found the woodwork, this time Darragh Lenihan hitting the top of the bar with a looping header.
The break served Rovers well, the second half saw much more movement, faster passing and more concerted pressure on Millwall’s defence. Danny Graham was twice sent through, twice defied his age, held off the last defender only to be denied by the efforts of the impressive Archer. The frustration of Graham was palpable and was shared by teammates and supporters alike. Graham also confounded everyone by remaining on the pitch for the full ninety minutes but I suspect Bennett’s injury was a major contributor to that.
Substitutions saw the impressive Palmer leave the field to be replaced by another new boy, Joe Rothwell; then the moment many had been awaiting, the introduction of “mini-Shearer”; the returning prodigal Adam Armstrong replacing the struggling Smallwood.
Smallwood has been rejected as a Championship player before and this appearance one has to hope is just an aberration. Rothwell then had a tidy run and a shot, saved inevitably by Rovers’ nemesis Archer, but that was largely that.
It seemed that both sides were content in the last few minutes to share the points, Millwall’s Neil Harris saying as much in an unusually balanced and very refreshing postmatch interview.
The conclusion from the afternoon’s events is that Rovers seem much more organised than at the opening of our last Championship campaign; not altogether surprising, the squad is more balanced; albeit with some notable weaknesses, but a successful loan window, bringing in options especially up-front, wide and perhaps even central midfield could make the difference between comfort and concern come next May.
Tuesday saw a return to Brunton Park for a third cup tie in five years; this time in the Carabao Cup and not surprisingly, Mowbray used the opportunity to ring the changes, in that troublesome central midfield area. A team including Dack, Armstrong and Palmer should have had too much for Carlisle and thankfully, so it proved. A bright start seemed to tie things up in the opening seven minutes and despite a stunning Carlisle reply applauded by Rovers and Carlisle fans alike, it ended in a welcome, handsome victory.
Rovers now prepare for a visit to Hull City, a club whose openly antagonistic owners seem to be embarking on a mission to adopt the most fanunfriendly pricing policy imaginable. Their arcane decision to remove any form of concessions in their ticket pricing structure has served to rile away fans with families, the elderly and the disabled; but spare a thought for the Hull fans who have that issue each home game. The net result being dwindling attendances and regular protests against out of touch owners who seem intent on ignoring and irritating their fans…insert your own punchline here folks…
Astonishingly, the EFL remains silent on this topic, content instead to ensure that Carabao Cup draws take place in ever more exotic locations. Priorities eh?
CRICKET SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON picked up a victory as they were able to defeat Milnrow by three wickets at Ladyhouse. Milnrow were put into bat first, and they were bowled all out for 163, with professional Neil Hornbuckle top scoring for the home side with 52.
It was a closely fought match, but Accrington reached their total as they finished on 165-7 with four overs to spare.
RISHTON suffered a defeat at home after they were beaten by 51 runs against Rawtenstall at Blackburn Road.
Rishton won the toss and decided to field, but Rawtenstall got off to a good start thanks to professional Kaustubh Pawar, who hit 100 from 113 balls.
It meant Rawtenstall were 192-2 at one stage, but the rest of the batsmen then struggled to add any major scores and Rawtenstall eventually ended on 215-9 at the end of their 50 overs.
Rishton’s response saw Mark Leathert (55) and professional Mansoor Amjad (53) both hit half centuries, but the rest of the team struggled and only one other batsman managed to make it into double figures, meaning they were bowled all out for 164 and Rawtenstall earned the victory.
ENFIELD also came up short after losing to