Howard blunder gives Blackburn victory-Fifa.com

Howard blunder gives Blackburn victory-Fifa.com

Blackburn Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic grabbed the winner as Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat at Ewood Park. The industrious front man took advantage of a blunder from goalkeeper Tim Howard in the 14th minute and that was enough to give his side victory.

Blackburn remained solid throughout with Morten Gamst Pedersen and Phil Jones taking control of a crowded midfield. They almost opened the scoring after two minutes against an Everton side dressed in pink - Pedersen's clever chip released Martin Olsson but with only goalkeeper Howard to beat he hoisted his shot over the top.

Howard was again called into action four minutes later and dealt comfortably with a header from El-Hadji Diouf following a long ball from Gael Givet.

Sam Allardyce's side then took the lead in the 14th minute when the USA international 'keeper raced out his goal to try and clear his lines but instead spilled the ball and Kalinic was on hand to sweep it home.

Everton responded and Blackburn found themselves on the back foot after 29 minutes when Cahill made space in the area only to scuff a shot into goalkeeper Robinson's arms.

Louis Saha got away from Christopher Samba five minutes later but his effort was blocked. Then Mikel Arteta's free-kick was deflected before Steven Pienaar tested the goalkeeper, who saved at the second attempt after the ball bobbled up in front of him. Phil Jagielka tried his luck from distance after 57 minutes but his effort went wide of the post.

Mame Biram Diouf was looking lively after coming on in place of Kalinic on the hour and saw his shot cleared by Howard, only to be ruled offside. Then Phil Jones raced forward and skipped into the area but his effort was blocked by Distin.

Play switched down the other end and Saha got into a good position but sent his shot high and wide. Blackburn nearly extended their lead in the 78th minute when Nzonzi got on the end of a cross from El-Hadji Diouf but headed marginally over the bar.

Everton kept pushing forward and substitute Jack Rodwell made space to get in a header two minutes from time but it went wide of the post. Jagielka thumped in a shot in stoppage time but Robinson was equal to it and Everton were left to reflect on a disappointing defeat.