DOM-INATION PUTS ROVERS BACK IN RACE TO THE TOP
BLACKBURN are definitely upwardly mobile and they did the business again to catapult themselves into the top six with a deserved victory against managerless Gillingham.
It’s five wins from seven now for Rovers, the latest handed to them thanks to a predatory strike from in-form Dominic Samuel.
Rovers boss Tony Mowbray wasn’t overjoyed, however. He was satisfied with the outcome, but seemingly, was craving the comfort of a second goal.
Mowbray, whose side are now up to sixth in League One, said: “We had to work really hard for that win.
“We huffed and puffed at it, especially in the second half, and I was feeling a bit frustrated that we couldn’t get that second goal.
“I was feeling for a while that we needed it but in the end, we managed to hang on and getting the three points is the only important thing.
“All the top teams in the division just seem to be keeping on winning, so it was vital we hung on.
“We had to be resolute, and so I was delighted that we were able to go on and see the game out.
“We could have done with the luxury of a second goal but I can’t complain too much.”
Rovers were excellent value for their lead at the interval at Ewood Park.
Samuel struck bang on the halfhour mark. Peter Whittingham’s corner-kick was headed back across goal by skipper Charlie Mulgrew, and there was Samuel, handily placed, to sweep in his fifth goal of the season from closerange.
Samuel had earlier fluffed two decent early chances for the hosts while at the other end, Max Ehmer’s snapshot was well gathered by goalkeeper David Raya.
After the opening goal, Rovers were grateful to Raya, who made a brilliant point-blank stop to keep out Ben Nugent’s attempt.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Blackburn well on top.
Mulgrew went close to a second
goal when his well-struck free-kick was excellently saved by Tomas Holy, before the woodwork came to the Gills’ rescue in the 73rd minute.
A Marcus Antonsson cross wasn’t cleared by a frantic Gills defence and full-back Derrick Williams was unlucky as his thumping volley struck the base of a post.
The Gills rallied somewhat in the closing stages and the closest they came to an equaliser was when sub Elliott List forced a breathtaking stop from the alert Raya.
It proved to be a frustrating second game in temporary charge for the experienced Peter Taylor, but he’s remaining positive.
As well as adding that he will more than likely still be in charge for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against Colchester, Taylor said: “I think the players carried on a lot of the good work they put in last Tuesday.
“They all did well but it is tough when you're up against an excellent team full of excellent players.
“I don’t mind saying that Blackburn played some wonderful football at times and it is hard to compete with them when they’re in that kind of mood.
“We competed much better in the second half, though. We had a lot more joy with the ball and created a few chances. In fact, I’m amazed we haven’t scored.
“Sometimes teams can cave in in these kind of situations, but we didn’t and that has to be encouraging.
“Of course we’re all disappointed with the result but I reckon all the players will be feeling a whole lot better than they were doing after last Saturday’s game.
“We just need that little bit of luck and we'll get ourselves out of trouble.”