Football: White seals it for City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City . . .3
Blackburn Rovers. . .2
MANCHESTER CITY answered the call of their manager, Peter Reid, for consistency at home with the sort of erratic performance they have made their trademark. But then he will forgive them indiscretions when they can conjure victories as dramatic as this.
Their recovery from an early two-goal deficit was completed by David White's magnificent, 25- yard strike 11 minutes from the end. The winger had been conspicuous by his absence from much of City's revival, yet the quality of his decisive contribution was worthy of a vibrant match.
Blackburn began like a team intent on releasing the frustration of their 5-2 midweek drubbing by Coventry, combining and creating with far greater conviction than City, and had the lead in five minutes. Mike Newell reacted quicker than the rest to Tim Sherwood's flighted free kick, stole a crucial yard, and his glanced header flashed across Tony Coton and just inside the far post.
Newell's very presence played an important part in Rover's second, after 15 minutes. Jason Wilcox's low cross put the responsibility on Terry Phelan and the full-back, conscious of Newell, almost inevitably turned the ball into his own goal.
A third and perhaps mortal blow loomed as Wilcox broke through, but Coton's legs blocked the shot and encouraged City to believe fate might not be against them after all. White headed over from Rick Holden's centre and the winger's service brought a goal in the 34th minute. Mike Sheron climbed at the far post to somehow force a header through a crowded goal area.
Suddenly, City were transformed and Maine Road was alight. The heat, however, got the better of Steve McMahon and he was punished with a booking, which puts him out of City's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Barnsley.
City's determination hauled them level, albeit courtesy of a 75th minute penalty, which Keith Curle converted. The stage was set for a winner and White made a spectacular if long overdue entrance. He cut in from the right and thundered a left-foot shot, which cleared Bobby Mimms and dipped beneath the bar.
Manchester City: T Coton, R Ranson, T Phelan, S McMahon, K Curle, M Vonk, D White, M Sheron, N Quinn, F Simpson (K Ingebrigtsen, 75 mins), R Holden. Subs not used: P Reid, M Margetson (GK). Manager: P Reid.
Blackburn Rovers: B Mimms, N Marker, T Dobson, T Sherwood, C Hendry, K Moran (F Ireland, 82 mins), P Andersson, M Atkins, R Wegerle, M Newell, J Wilcox. Subs not used: S Ireland, D Collier (GK). Manager: K Dalglish.
Referee: M Peck (Kendall)
Goals: Newell (0-1, 5 mins); Phelan (og, 0-2, 15 mins); Sheron (1-2, 34 mins); Curle (pen, 2-2, 75 mins); White (3-2, 79 mins).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments