Blackburn Rovers got their first three points of the new Championship season, after they beat Hull City 1-0 at the KCOM Stadium in Tony Mowbray’s 600th game as a manager.
Bradley Dack’s fourth goal of the season helped Rovers over the line, as they secured their first win of the season away at Hull City this afternoon. Striker Adam Armstrong kept his place in the lineup after his brace against Carlisle in their midweek romp in the Carabao Cup, leaving Danny Graham on the bench.
Rovers almost broke the deadlock after just seven minutes. Kasey Palmer was played through from a quick free kick, and his driven cross was parried upwards. Dack connected with the loose ball, but the playmaker put the ball over the bar.
Hull City keeper David Marshall was tested twice in a few minutes, when Armstrong turned and fired goalwards, forcing a save from the Scotsman. Four minutes later, Palmer and Dack linked up, and Marshall made a big save from Dack to keep the scores at 0-0.
The deadlock was broken with just two minutes to go before the break, as Dack hit his fourth of the season. Elliott Bennett swung in a cross from the right wing, and Dack dashed in front of the defender and side-footed home.
Just after the break, Hull came forward and created a rare chance. Jackson Irvine had an effort stopped by David Raya, and Rovers left-back Amari’i Bell made a good block from Jarrod Bowen.
Rovers star man Dack hobbled off just before the hour mark, after he tried his best to run off a knock. Danny Graham was subbed on, and Adam Armstrong was sent out onto the left-wing, where he spent most of his loan spell in the second half of last season.
Palmer was denied by Marshall with 25 minutes to go, as he cut inside from the left wing and fired at goal. Rovers youngster Lewis Travis replaced the Chelsea loanee a couple of minutes later, as the 20-year-old continued his breakthrough into the first team.
Blackburn Rovers should’ve doubled their lead with just over 20 minutes left, as Armstrong used his electric pace to burst into the box before Marshall made another save. Bennett had a great chance to convert the rebound, but fired wide from close range.
The last five minutes of the 90 featured some desperate defending from both sides. Despite being untested throughout the match, Raya was alert and made a crucial stop from Nouha Dicko to keep Rovers ahead. Blackburn rushed up the other end, and Corry Evans’ long range effort forced a save from Marshall. Hull came forward and forced one final attack, forcing a block from defender Ryan Nyambe with added time remaining.
Rovers clung onto three points with a couple of late scares, but after dominating possession throughout the match and having the better chances, Tony Mowbray’s side returned to Ewood Park with their first win of the season.
