The news that boss Sam Allardyce was discharged from hospital following treatment for a heart complaint was not enough to inspire his Blackburn team to victory against a defiant Stoke City.

 

The home side were looking to move into the top half of the Premier League table and both teams had chances to claim all three points. However, keepers Thomas Sorensen and Paul Robinson came out on top with both making good saves. Christopher Samba could have grabbed a late victory for Rovers but headed wide. Despite the entertaining performances, with Chelsea and Arsenal providing the next opposition, both will have to step up to ensure a slice of the points.

Nevertheless, Rovers assistant manager Neil McDonald, standing in for Allardyce, was pleased with the point. "It was a well-fought nil-nil draw to be fair. I thought we had a couple of good chances first half where their goalkeeper has made two fantastic saves.

And we forced the pace in the second half and almost won it in the end." He was also quick to acknowledge the part that Stoke played. "It's definitely a point gained, that's for sure. A tough encounter against Stoke who are a very, very hard team to beat," said McDonald.

He also updated on Allardyce’s progress and indicated that a quick return to the dugout was on the cards. “I'm almost sure - I think the operation went according to plan and I've been told that he'll be here next week so that's great."