Davison gifts Rovers win
By James Pearson. Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am
Aidan Davison's gift set Blackburn Rovers on their way to a 3-0 FA Cup fourth round triumph over Colchester United.
The U's had kept the Premiership side at bay until Davison missed Kevin Watson's backpass, allowing the ball to roll into the empty net.
Jemal Johnson's first senior goal doubled Rovers' advantage with a rare Dominic Matteo goal settling the game after the break.
Rovers began the better of the sides with Johnson and Morten Gamst Pedersen causing problems early on.
Robbie Savage was inches from opening the scoring with a free kick, while Brett Emerton's placed effort was collected by Davison.
The game then changed in the space of six minutes with Watson's own goal and Johnson's strike easing Blackburn's nerves.
Mark Hughes' men were in the driving seat for the remainder of the half with David Thompson coming close to adding a third.
The home side were three-up shortly after the interval when Savage's left sided free kick was flicked home by Matteo at the near post.
Rovers continued to create the better of the chances with Gamst Pedersen and Emerton both unleashing shots on goal from distance.
Thompson should have made it four when he sent a close-range shot against the crossbar, however, the effort would have been ruled out for offside.
Colchester battled bravely throughout, but never really tested Brad Friedel in the game and can have no complaints about the scoreline.
| Team Name | Blackburn Rovers | Colchester United |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Shots On Target | 7 | 4 |
| Shots Off Target | 6 | 3 |
| Blocked Shots | 3 | 1 |
| Corners | 8 | 4 |
| Fouls Conceded | 16 | 11 |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
 | ||
Kevin Watson
Dominic Matteo
Jemal Johnson
