One step at a Tyne

But his state of mind might have altered slightly half an hour later following news of the Worthington Cup fourth round draw.

Putting the honest journeymen of Crewe in their place is merely a small step compared to the giant leap that the next round brings with a trip to Tyneside and a clash with Ruud Gullit's Newcastle United international all-stars.

But the Blackburn Rovers boss -- especially in this so-far traumatic season -- will no doubt be well aware that, given the present circumstances, he can only dare to contemplate one step at a time.

And he could not have had any cause for complaint about the patched-up team he sent out to face First Division Crewe Alexandra in a game which had 'potential cup upset' written all over it.

Even without Rovers' appalling record of falling to lower-division sides in the League Cup competition, this tie looked an ambush-in-waiting for a struggling Premiership team.

But, fortunately, they had the escape route planned.

Crewe are in a bad way themselves but it was always on the cards that they would raise their game and a tortuous night was in prospect, not least because of the fact that at least three key Rovers players turned out carrying injuries that would normally have sidelined them.

Desperate situations need desperate remedies and Hodgson's faith in his players was borne out.

For, one second half spell apart when Tim Flowers stood firm, they were so comfortable and in control you almost wondered what the fuss had been about.

The only disappointment was that Rovers failed to deliver much of a cutting edge in the final third of the field. Otherwise, they could have coasted through the match with a three or four goal cushion.

Crewe keeper Jason Kearton also bore some responsibility for that with a string of super second half saves. Still, even though they had only a one-goal advantage, from a superbly-worked and finished Chris Sutton goal, Rovers were confident enough to play exhibition-style keep-ball in the last 10 minutes.

And Crewe were left chasing shadows.

It was a rare occasion for Hodgson to breathe easily and reflect on a thoroughly professional display in most respects as you just couldn't see Rovers losing.

The manager himself was more than happy: "It was a tough job, we knew it would be and I am just delighted that we gave such a professional performance.

"Obviously, Tim Flowers made a wonderful save after we had gone 1-0 up.

"But it was a very important game for us to win and I thought we went about it in an extremely professional way."

The Rovers fans, who filled one end of Crewe's tiny ground, had plenty to watch as their side dominated the first half and had only the occasional scare to concern them.

But it should also be said that Rovers' attacks didn't carry enough threat for the play they had in Crewe's defensive third of the field.

Young Irish wingers Damien Duff and Damien Johnson were prominent in much of the good work and Kevin Davies too showed up well. But that elusive goal just wouldn't come and it was inevitable to worry that their failure to cash in on a dominant start might prove costly later.

Crewe had a basic 3-4-3 formation, though the two wide men, especially Marcus Bignot, were quick to funnel back when danger threatened -- which was often. Davies went closest to scoring but it was incredible how one Duff cross, after great work on the right, failed to find a colleague connecting with it.

Crewe, with the wind, had just one off-target attempt at goal and failed to win a single corner in the first half.

Yet there were two scares. Darren Peacock did well to clear a dangerous Seth Johnson free kick and Flowers had to bring off a timely tackle when Peacock's slip almost let in Rodney Jack.

The second half began perfectly for Rovers with a delightful 47th minute goal.

Jeff Kenna charged forward and played the ball inside to Davies. A neat lay-off found Johnson and his perfect through ball saw Sutton, racing into the penalty area, pull a right-foot shot across the keeper and into the far corner.

In the next 20 minutes, Crewe had their best two moments but, on both occasions, Mark Rivers was not good enough to beat Flowers, his first save minutes after taking the lead proving crucial.

Rovers, however, could have had a few more themselves.

Keeper Kearton, who had looked none too sure in the first half, made a brilliant save from Davies and twice spectacularly thwarted Duff -- also saving well from Davidson.

The result was never really in doubt once Rovers took the lead and it would have been interesting to see how great a percentage of possession they had.

St James' Park next month, you can be assured, will be different. By PETER WHITE

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.