BLACKBURN Rovers Supporters Association have won the first-ever Supporters Association Shield at the National Power League Centre, Nottingham.

A good turn-out of five-a-side teams included Arsenal, Everton, Leicester, plus local rivals Preston North End and Blackpool.

In the opening league match Rovers enjoyed little luck, hitting the woodwork three times, and it was no surprise when they lost 3-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.

In a physical second match against Everton, which the Rovers simply had to win to stay in the tournament, two strikes from attacking centre half Andy Nightingale - one arguably the goal of the tournament - set up a crunch match with local rivals Preston Noth End.

But again the Ewood side had a mountain to climb - they had to win by at least EIGHT goals!

But they were certainly up to the task, triumphing by a 10-0 scoreline with Leaf, Baxter, Cleary, Atherton and Nightingale helping to inflict a double-figure rout.

A fine quarter-final display by Rovers keeper Martin Wyatt and a single strike from Steven Leaf, set up a semi-final clash with Blackpool.

Leaf and Baxter eventually got the goals which sunk the Seasiders to clinch a final showdown with Everton.

Inspired Leaf gave the East Lancashire lads the lead and Brin Postlethwaite was unlucky not to open his account in the final, shooting from distance and clipping the woodwork on more than one occasion.

Substitute Atherton blasted home a second goal, and despite the Merseysiders pulling a goal back, Rovers held on for a memorable tournament victory.

As a result of their win, the Rovers side have been invited to take part in various other national competitions.

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