Hughes furious as Blackburn fail to cash in on Marek dismissal

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

It should have swung the initiative Rovers' way as they battled for precious points to book a place in Europe next season. But they lacked the firepower on the day despite the presence of their top striker, Roque Santa Cruz.

Furious: Blackburn boss Mark Hughes

It was Reading who could have stolen the points as they sought the win that would virtually have guaranteed Premier League survival.

That still looks likely following their recent revival after a sequence of eight successive defeats.

But, luckily for Rovers, Reading striker Stephen Hunt completely missed a cross in front of goal in the 84th minute and, moments later, a header from Andre Bikey was cleared off the line by Stephen Warnock.

This game was frenetic, starting with too few chances and ending with a host of goal-scoring opportunities. It was Reading who took the initiative against a Rovers side who seemed content to soak up the pressure and wait for the chance to burst into attack.

John Oster created an excellent opportunity in the fifth minute but Roberts produced the best moment with an outstanding run in the 37th minute, only to be felled just as he was homing in on goal.

Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann was lucky not to be sent off seven minutes before half-time after a clash with Ryan Nelsen.