Blackburrrn away - the invasion of Ewood Park

I had a good feeling that we'd get a result at Blackburn. They were poor, we were having fun in the Cup, and we'd sold the best part of 5,000 tickets. The stage was set for another good away trip, and SBJ, G2, Kev and myself managed to get to the different rendez-vous points on time for a trip up north in Grandpa.

4 hours later, the Fernhurst appeared, complete with bolt-on hotel rooms which were surprisingly nice, and a large pub, with police horses in the car park. Quickly onto the game, as time is short and I'm off to Barcelona in the morning. One day I will type that and include the words "to see our Champions League quarter final 1st leg". Not just yet though.

So, Ewood Park. The Jack Walker Memorial Rockery was a bit of a disappointment. Inside the ground, the home support was poor. See what I mean? And one of the other stands was reminiscent of the last round. While the skyblue army was out in force. Blackburn kicked off with Rocky Santa Cruise looking disinterested up front, even when he scored after 84 seconds. No matter, it's a game of two halves and 90 minutes. The first half saw the Gunner miss a header in front of goal to equalise, and Boozy looking totally at sea. We went into the break a goal down, with the 4-5-1 not working at all.

The Coalman earned his money with his half time team talk, Best came on, and Doyle and the Gunner started bossing the midfield. The ball came out from a corner and was put back in by the Fox. The clearing header fell to the Gunner, who took a touch and volleyed a cracker from 25 yards past the bloke from Neighbours. We went wild. Ten or so minutes later, Mrs Doyle planted a shot from outside the box firmly against Samba's thigh, and we were two up. All we had to do was hang on. Then Cupid arrived, dressed in large white pants and trainers, and held up proceedings.



Wheels on your house went close, and should have scored, but managed not to shoot or pass to More Reasons. The 90 minutes were up, and we'd won. But, alas, undone by Cupid. 5 minutes more to play, and with 70 seconds to go, Handy Andy proved more like Mumble Fumble, and they snatched a late late equaliser. Gutted. But, a replay at the Ricoh, which is good for the finances, should be a large crowd and good atmosphere, and Chelsea at home in the quarters. Can't wait.

We returned to the Fernhurst for beers, skyblue WKD, sambuca and darts, accompanied briefly by Paul, and for much longer by 'Ells Bells, making her debut bow this season. A remarkably good evening ensued, which was nice.