English Premiership
Blackburn battle for draw
2011-10-15 18:59
London - Blackburn battled back to secure a draw at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday but Christopher Samba's equaliser was not enough to prevent Rovers slipping to the bottom of the table.
After a 6-0 hammering against Fulham in their previous game, QPR were determined to give a better account of themselves against Steve Kean's beleaguered side.
And it looked as if Rangers were on course to secure a therapeutic victory when a fluky Heidar Helguson cross-shot drifted in on 16 minutes.
But Rovers refused to be discouraged at the early setback and showed great character to level within minutes.
Jason Lowe lofted a corner into the penalty area and Samba towered above the Rangers defence to power home a thunderous header for 1-1.
The goal buoyed Rovers, who carved out several chances to win the match in the second half but were unable to take them.
QPR boss Neil Warnock introduced playmaker Adel Taarabt in the second half and Rangers instantly looked more threatening.
However the Moroccan international -- making his 100th appearance for the club -- was unable to crown his century with a goal despite being gifted an opening by Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Wright-Phillips headed Taarabt clean through but with the goal at his mercy, the Moroccan screwed his shot wide.
QPR ramped up the pressure late on and had a penalty shout turned down after Taarabt was bundled over by Michel Salgado with six minutes left.
It was Rovers' Martin Olsson who came closest to nicking it however, forcing a fine save from Paddy Kenny in the final minutes.