Blackburn reach Uefa Cup first round
David Bentley could be recalled by England
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Thursday, 30, Aug 2007 10:46
Blackburn Rovers comfortably reached the Uefa Cup proper after they beat Finnish side MyPa 2-0 at Ewood Park in the second leg of the second qualifying round this evening.
The Premier League side came into the game with a one goal lead from the first leg in Finland a fortnight ago. And goals from David Bentley and Jason Roberts saw them join Tottenham, Everton, and Bolton in the first round.
Blackburn started the game with real energy and should have taken the lead on a number of occasions.
Midfielder Aaron Mokoena had a shot after 13th minutes which was spilled by MyPa keeper Janne Korhonen, but debutant Maceo Rigters failed to convert the rebound.
Roberts almost scored two minutes later but he saw a close range effort well saved by Korhonen. The Finnish keeper was in superb form and did really well to palm away a Mokoena header which was heading in.
Blackburn played superbly in the first half with veteran midfielder Tugay pulling the strings. But the home side had to wait until the 48th minute to take the lead.
Midfielder Bentley latched onto a cross by Morten Gamst Pedersen to hammer in a wonderful volley. The young Englishmen was in excellent form all night and could be in line for a call-up to the national team, especially with David Beckham injured.
Bentley nearly grabbed his second of the night, but his cheeky lob went just over the bar with Korhonen beaten.
Blackburn finally got their well-deserved second goal of the game in stoppage time when the impressive Roberts scored with a back-heel from a Matt Derbyshire header.