BLACKBURN ROVERS....2
Bentley 45, McCarthy 81
WIGAN ATHLETIC............1
Heskey 2
Jewell's men had the perfect start when within the first minute Emile Heskey fired in a stunning half-volley as he connected perfectly to Emmerson Boyce's right wing cross
However, after holding the lead for almost all of the first half, Rovers were level when David Bentley played a one-two with Francis Jeffers before he slotted the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Chris Kirkland just seconds before the half-time whistle.
Latics were dealt a blow before the kick-off after Fitz Hall was sent home after suffering from a virus overnight. Veteran Matt Jackson, just nineteen days short of his 35th birthday, took over his place. Former Latics favourite Jason Roberts also took part in the action replacing Francis Jeffers, and striker Svetoslav Todorov also made his debut as he came on as a substitute replacing Henri Camara during the second half.
The on-loan Portsmouth striker had a chance to give Latics another lead when Rovers defender Andre Ooijer felled Heskey with fifteen minutes remaining to concede the penalty. But the Bulgarian fired the ball straight to substitute goalkeeper Jason Brown, who had earlier replaced the injured Brad Friedal.
But it was Rovers who took the lead with eight minutes remaining when Benni McCarthy chased a hopeful looking long ball, and appeared to be offside catching Chris Kirkland off guard. The Latics 'keeper raced away from his line to clear the ball but the former Porto striker slotted the ball away into an empty net for Blackburn's winner.
It was harsh on Latics who had controlled the first half before conceding on the stroke of half-time, as the hosts looked jaded from their mid-week European exploits. But Rovers looked to be rejuvenated in the second half and piled the pressure on.
During that spell, Chris Kirkland made some vital and very impressive saves. Ten minutes after the restart Kevin Kilbane fouled Brett Emerton to give away the free-kick. Robbie Savage took the set-piece from twenty-five yards and Kirkland made a brilliant save to tip the ball over the bar to keep the scores level.
The Latics 'keeper also had to be alert to stop a dangerous looking Morten Gamst Pedersen drive from long range, before stopping two Jason Roberts strikes in stoppage time.
But Latics had plenty of chances to have increased their initial one goal lead. Heskey could have turned from goalscorer into a provider in the 22nd minute when he flicked the ball to Camara, who controlled the ball before smashing it across the face of the goal.
Antonio Valencia tried his luck with a long range drive in the 38th minute but saw it fly past Brad Friedal's post, whilst Kevin Kilbane saw his free kick fall straight into the hands of the Rovers goalkeeper minutes before the whistle after Paul Scharner was fouled by Lucas Neill.
The Austrian midfielder had a great chance to get on the scoresheet himself as he saw his fierce shot palmed away from an acute angle from goalkeeper Brown during the second half.
Rovers really failed to test Kirkland before their equaliser as they wasted chances. South African striker Benni McCarthy looked like levelling when he turned past his marker and poked the ball just wide of the far post, and he squandered again when he fired straight into the hands of the Latics goalkeeper after being put through by Tugay.
Just after the half-hour mark Brett Emerton played a pass through to Jeffers, but the former Everton striker also dragged his shot wide.
Latics couldn't capitalise after their first half pressure, and were ultimately punished for a missed penalty as Rovers looked far more energetic in the second half.
Latics: Kirkland; Boyce, De Zeeuw (c), Jackson, Baines; Valencia (Teale 67), Scharner, Landzaat, Kilbane (McCulloch 74); Heskey, Camara (Todorov 64).
Substitutes: Pollitt, Johansson,
Bookings: Scharner, Kilbane.
Blackburn: Friedal (Brown 46); Emerton (c), Khizanishvili, Ooijer, Neill; Bentley, Savage, Tugay (Mokoena 70), Pedersen; McCarthy, Jeffers (Roberts 70).
Substitutes: Gallagher, McEveley.
Bookings: Francis
Referee: Howard Webb (South Yorkshire)
Assistant Referees: P. Sharp and M. Williams
Fourth Official: M. Halsey
