Fans veto one Ell of a strike
BLACKBURN boss Owen Coyle felt Elliott Bennett’s goal was ‘worth the admission money alone’ – but few fans put his theory to the test.
Less than 10,000 turned up for a Lancashire derby as angry supporters from both sides held a joint protest outside the ground against their prospective owners.
Tennis balls were thrown on to the pitch from outside the stadium, but there was no disruption to the game.
As it was, the Venky’s at Blackburn have a slightly more to shout about than the Oystons at Blackpool. Championship Rovers avoided a potential banana skin of a tie, and were home and hosed within the first quarter of the game against their League Two neighbours.
Sam Gallagher’s header in the ninth minute set them on their way but it was Bennett’s 22nd-minute strike that caught the eye.
His first of the season was well worth waiting for – an unstoppable curling and dipping effort from 30 yards that flew into the top corner.
Their cause was helped by Blackpool’s Kelvin Mellor, who saw red in the 65th minute for a second booking in the space of four minutes.
Although Will Aimson hit the bar for Blackpool, Blackburn’s passage to the fifth round for the second time in three seasons was rarely in danger.
Coyle said: “I’ve seen Blackpool a number of times and they’ve got some very good players.
“It was important we started really well, which we did. The Elliott Bennett goal was probably worth the admission money alone given the bit of passing that frees him up in that space and it’s an exquisite finish.”
Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer, the last manager to take Rovers past the fourth round, said: “The fine margins went against us a bit. You concede after eight minutes, then you have to take your hat off to a wonder strike.
“The game changes on the sending off. But credit to our lads – down to 10 men they kept going.” Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 59% 41% 5 1 1 6 2 0 4 4 8 10 1 3 0 1 0 1