Jul 20

Preston North End embarrass neighbours Blackburn with 3-0 result

• Paul Hayes scores two before half-time for Preston
• Wolves hammer Walsall, Wigan held by Oldham

A lacklustre Blackburn Rovers were shown up by their Lancashire neighbours Preston North End in a 3-0 drubbing tonight.

Two first-half headers from summer signing Paul Hayes, the second of them from a cross delivered by the former Blackburn player Keith Treacy, put Preston in control before Michel Salgado fouled Sean St Ledger and Chris Brown scored Preston’s third from the penalty spot.

There was better fortune for Wolverhampton Wanderers as a successful short trip to Walsall ended in a resounding 4-0 win.

Ninteen-year-old striker Ashley Hemmings headed the opener from Greg Halford’s fine cross and Sam Vokes scored twice in five minutes shortly before half-time, first tapping in Scott Malone’s cross and then seizing on defensive confusion to make it 3-0.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake powered into the box to smash home an emphatic fourth and substitute Kevin Doyle was a handful for the League One club, three times going close.

Wigan Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw at Oldham and were forced to come from behind to secure that result, having fallen behind in the first half when Dale Stevens volleyed home superbly after running onto a poor clearance on the edge of Wigan’s 18-yard box.

The equaliser came when Jordi Gómez was clumsily hauled down in the penalty area by Paul Black and got up to convert the penalty.

Blackburn RoversPreston North EndDave Middletonguardian.co.uk

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Feb 21

Premier League games will all go ahead despite snowfall in north-west

• Blackburn say snowfall around Ewood Park was ‘relatively light’
• Man City v Liverpool and Wigan v Tottenham also go ahead

All of today’s Premier League games are set to go ahead despite adverse weather conditions in Lancashire and Manchester. Overnight snowfall in the north-west had cast doubt over Blackburn v Bolton, Manchester City v Liverpool and Wigan v Tottenham, but all three home clubs released statements this morning confirming that the matches would not be postponed.

Blackburn’s statement said that the snowfall near Ewood Park had been “relatively light” ahead of their midday derby, while City reported that “traffic is moving freely around the City of Manchester Stadium”.

“The approaches immediately to the ground itself for those on foot are clear,” continued the City statement. “There is no problem with the playing surface and the game goes ahead at 3pm as scheduled. If you are coming to the game, the weather is set to remain cold and wet throughout the day, so please wear lots of layers and stay warm.”

Wigan, meanwhile, said: “The DW Stadium pitch undersoil heating has been functioning throughout the week, while snow ploughs and gritters have made the main access roads into the stadium passable. The club are warning, however, that it may be forced into some car park closures, depending on conditions later today.

“Supporters are being reminded that conditions remain potentially hazardous and roads throughout the region continue to be affected by the adverse weather.”

However, today’s racing at Sedgefield, Southwell and Naas has fallen foul to the weather while there will be inspections at Carlisle and Market Rasen to determine whether tomorrow’s meetings can go ahead.

Premier LeagueBlackburn RoversManchester CityWigan AthleticBolton WanderersLiverpoolTottenham Hotspurguardian.co.uk

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Jan 05

Blackburn’s Carling Cup semi-final against Aston Villa postponed

• Carling Cup semi-final postponed because of bad weather
• No decision yet taken on Manchester derby tomorrow

Blackburn have confirmed that tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Aston Villa has been postponed because of bad weather. The decision was taken in conjunction with the Police Match Commander on the grounds of public safety and following consultation with the Football League.

The club said on its website this morning: “It is still snowing heavily in Blackburn, as it has been all morning, and advice locally is not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary and in addition severe weather warnings have being issued throughout the country. The weather forecast for the day states that we can expect more snow and freezing temperatures in Lancashire and that heavy snow is expected in the Midlands later in the day and will continue throughout the evening and early hours of Wednesday morning.

“Whilst the Ewood Park pitch is playable we believe it would be unadvisable to expect fans, staff etc to attempt to get to the match. Even if fans are able to get to Ewood Park we would not like to speculate on what type of journey home they may face at 10.00pm tonight when temperatures will be sub-zero.

“Further information concerning rearrangement of the fixture will follow in due course. Match tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture but fans who have purchased tickets and are unable to attend on the new date, can obtain a refund by applying to the ticket office in advance of the fixture.”

Stoke’s Premier League game against Fulham could also be in danger of being called off. A statement on Stoke’s website said: “While the pitch itself is in good condition, staff are currently working to keep all the major approaches to the stadium clear of any snow and ice. The club are, however, aware of the forecast of snow late in the day and are keeping a close eye on bad weather affecting the north of the region.”

Manchester City, meanwhile, have been forced to close their ticket office and city centre shop due to the conditions. There is no indication yet whether tomorrow’s game against Manchester United will go ahead or not and tickets for the match are still available online.

A rugby league friendly between Leigh and Super League side Salford, originally scheduled for December 27 but rearranged for tonight, has also been called off.

Carling CupBlackburn RoversAston VillaWeatherMarcus Christensonguardian.co.uk

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