Rovers hold Reds

Blackburn Rovers had to settle for a point, after a very entertaining second half at Ewood Park.

The first half was one very much too forget, as both sides struggled to make any kind of impact.

Defences looked very solid, but as attacking forces chances were very rare.

The second started in stark contrast to the first, with both sides having chances from the off.

Firstly Dirk Kuyt played through Steven Gerrard, but the Liverpool man was foiled by Chris Samba who was doing well to minimise his threat on the game.

Moments later Franco Di Santo found himself one on one with Pepe Reina but the on loan front man wanted one touch too many, Pepe Reina comfortably dealing with the threat.

The visitors began to turn the screw, with Steven Gerrard in particular looking much more dangerous.

It was then Martin Atkinson's turn to take the spotlight, as both sides turned on him for big decisions.

First Rovers for an adjudged foul by last man Jamie Carragher and then Liverpool after a tumble by Steven Gerrard in the box, both though were waved away.

It was an exhilarating first 15 minutes after the restart, and it was hard to see a goal not being scored.

Di Santo was again his usual lively self, and the Argentinean nearly profited from a Lucas slip. His left footed drive from the edge of the box testing Reina to his limit.

It was El-Hadji Diouf who next had the chance to test Reina after good work from Nelsen down the left, but his touch was heavy and allowed Glen Johnson to get back and clear.

On 70 minutes Liverpool carved out the best chance of the game, only to be thwarted by Paul Robinson. Glen Johnson got himself into the box all too easily, his cross was pin point to David Ngog who had the goal at his mercy. Some how though the French striker managed to hit the bar, and Dirk Kuyt following up saw his effort tipped wide by Robinson.

Down the other end and Benni McCarthy saw his effort go tantalisingly close, after good work from David Hoilett in dispossessing Nabil El Zhar.

Moments later and Rovers carved out another opening, but Vince Grella saw his effort from range sail by Pepe Reina's left post.

Robinson nearly went from hero to zero in the 80th minute, as Javier Mascherano wrestled the ball from him. His cross though was once again mopped up by Samba, who spared the 'keepers blushes.

The last 10 minutes continues in the spirit of the rest of the second half, as chances came and went for both sides.

It was Blackburn though who had the best effort in extra time, David Hoilett bursting out from defence and sending through Nikola Kalinic. He could only poke his shot wide though, as Reina came charging out.

Either side could have easily snatched it, but it finished 0-0.

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