Poor finishing creates stalemate at Reebok
Megson's side could not break the deadlock against Blackburn
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Saturday, 18, Oct 2008 06:14
Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers played out a 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium after both sides were blighted by some poor finishing.
Rovers were without main striker Roque Santa Cruz and would doubtless loved to have had him to take advantage of some of the chances that came their way.
Both teams hit the post but could not find a way to break the deadlock. Blackburn's Carlos Villanueva hit the crossbar in the first half, while team-mate Jason Roberts missed a header from close-range.
Matt Taylor tested Paul Robinson twice in the first half but the England keeper was able to deflect his efforts wide. Late in the second half Taylor finally beat Robinson but his shot hit the post.
Elsewhere, Villa dropped points in their chase for a Champions League place. Portsmouth started the match well and were unlucky not to take the lead.
Armand Traore hit the post and then Jermain Defoe wasted the rebound when it fell to him. As the match progressed Villa gradually improved.
Ashley Young and John Carew were the driving force behind Villa, although Martin O'Neill's side struggled to produce the clear-cut chance that could have helped them break the deadlock.
They should have won the game late on when Young's cross found Carew in the box but his header hit the woodwork.
In the day's other match Fulham were lucky to escape with a point in their match against Sunderland.
The Black Cats hit the post four times and had other chances but could not find the back of the net.
Kieran Richardson and Djibril Cisse both went close in the first half before Richardson produced a free-kick that defied logic.
His effort hit the woodwork no less than three times but despite the multiple ricochets failed to cross the goal-line.
Cisse then shock the goal with a well-timed volley but Roy Keane's side had to settle for a point.