PL2 Report: Saints 0-1 Blackburn

The league’s top scorer Connor McBride added to his already impressive tally of goals this season with a half volley to give Rovers the lead after just 12 minutes.

Saints fielded a side with a mix of youth and first team experience; Jake Vokins and Yan Valery in at full-back, with Michael Obafemi and the returning Tyreke Johnson part of the front three.

Blackburn threatened during the opening stages, firing a low cross in from the left which the sliding Kayne Ramsay did well to clear away.

But another cross after just 12 minutes proved far more beneficial to the visitors; the league’s top scorer McBride hitting an effort on the half volley from close range to add to his tally.

Rovers continued to press the Saints back-line, Ben Paton hitting an effort just inside the penalty area which Vokins did well to block.

As the half wore on the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of chances, despite the game itself being an even contest in terms of possession.

Obafemi had Saints best chance of the half on 35 minutes; Caleb Watts flicking the ball over the onrushing McBride before finding a perfect cross-field ball to Will Ferry, who in term found the Irishman whose fierce effort tested keeper Jordan Eastham.

Minutes later came another good chance for the hosts, this time the ball falling inside the box to Johnson whose acrobatic effort was tipped over by Eastham between the sticks.

But the hosts could not break down the stubborn Blackburn defence, with the score remaining 1-0 to the visitors at the interval.

Saints had a glorious chance at within five minutes of the second 45; Johnson slipping in Obafemi who burst away from the defence, but saw his effort tipped onto the post one-on-one with Eastham.

The hosts looked a far greater threat going forward following the break; Obafemi again involved as he stormed ahead with the ball, feeding Valery on the flank whose low cross was eventually cleared away.

Ferry was next to test the Rovers keeper with a close-range effort just left of the sticks, Eastham doing well to save and collect at his near post.

Rovers saw very little of the ball during the second half but continued to frustrate the Saints attacks as they came.

After a much improved second half performance, Valery was forced off on 78 minutes with an injury; a frustrating sight not only for the defender and Dave Horseman but also Ralph Hasenhüttl who was in attendance at Snows Stadium.

Saints had the ball in the back of the net with just seven minutes to go; Obafemi bursting down the right before squaring the ball to substitute Dan N’Lundulu.

A scramble occurred inside the box with another Saints substitute, Enzo Robise, appearing to be the player who got the final touch as the ball went in.

But the celebrations were cut short by a very late linesman’s flag, much to the bemusement of Saints players and staff alike.

Another injury hit Saints with five minutes to go; Kegs Chauke going down and forced off as David Agbontohoma replaced him.

Saints continued to dominate possession as stoppage time was announced, chances for an equaliser slowly slipping away as the minutes ticked down.

With the game reaching boiling point Saints were reduced to ten men inside added time; Obafemi forced to leave the pitch for violent conduct.

Chances slowly came and went, meaning ultimately it was defeat at Snows Stadium in Premier League 2.

Their next outing sees a midday trip to Derby County on Friday 23rd October.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  58

  42
• Shots
  14

  11
• Shots on target
  6

  5
• Corners
  6

  5
• Passes Complete
  369

  229