Ben Foster | Quieter game than of late thankfully, but did everything expected of him including a good one-handed save midway through the second half. |
Adrian Mariappa | Composed performance by an ever-improving player, to be churlish distribution let him down on a couple of occasions but generally very sound. |
Jordan Stewart | Captain for the evening and rallied the troops into a rousing display. Wholehearted as ever with boundless energy and enthusiasm, the only minus, a poor cross to an onrushing and unmarked Will Hoskins soon after Jay DeMerit's winning goal. |
Malkay Mackay | Had a fine tussle with Shabani Nonda all evening and generally came out on top. Was responsible for a disastrous throw-in that went straight to David Bentley leading to Benni McCarthy's goal, otherwise impeccable. |
Dan Shittu | Began in fine form and his injury was in all probability, the only real downside for |
Al Bangura | Much better display than of late, back to his tenacious best in the tackle, although a late challenge on Robbie Savage unfortunately left the Welshmen with a broken leg. Needs to find range with his shooting. |
Tommy Smith | Another hard working performance from the right-winger. Made the first goal with a teasing cross and looked dangerous throughout. |
Damien Francis | Looked more committed and lively than on some previous occasions helping |
Will Hoskins | Impressive full home debut. Pace and movement caused Blackburn Rovers problems throughout and his general hold up play could not be faulted. Would probably have scored had Jordan Stewart's pass immediately after Jay DeMerit's goal not been slightly behind him. |
Darius Henderson | Typical centre-forward performance by the workhorse of the side. Battled robustly for every aerial challenge and held up play intelligently waiting for support to arrive. Again disappointed when sending a free header well wide late on though! |
Hameur Bouazza | A whippet on the left flank, the Frenchmen took on the playmaking mantle vacated by the departure of Ashley Young. Fired in two tremendous shots that American goalkeeper, Brad Friedel did well to save in the first half, and made the winning goal with a delightful clip onto the head of Jay DeMerit in the second. |
Jay DeMerit | Grabbed an earlier than expected opportunity with both hands and head following an unfortunate first half injury to the ever-willing Shittu. Did allow Benni McCarthy to get in front of him for the Blackburn goal, but redeemed himself totally with a fantastic flick header that nestled in the far corner – you beauty! |
Chris Powell | Came on in the closing stages to lend an experienced hand. Did nothing wrong, won a couple of important tackles and most importantly wasted ‘plenty of dying seconds' much to the chagrin of the visiting support. |