Football
Reuters 18y

Soccer-Reid header guarantees Blackburn UEFA Cup place

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON, May 2 - A header from Steven Reid secured
Blackburn Rovers a spot in next season's UEFA Cup with a 1-0
victory over English champions Chelsea on Tuesday.

Blackburn's victory at Ewood Park handed Chelsea, who
secured their second successive Premier League title on
Saturday, their fourth league defeat of the season.

Reid's 43rd minute effort moved sixth-placed Blackburn to 60
points and ensured their nearest rivals Newcastle United, who
are on 55, cannot overtake them with only one game remaining.

Reid claimed the goal in bizarre circumstances after his
team mate Robbie Savage had appeared to have directed a
spectacular curling free kick from the left side of the box into
the bottom corner of the net.

But Reid was quick to point out that he was the last man to
have had any contact with the ball, jumping up from the crowded
area in the box to nod in the header.

To add to Savage's frustrations, he was shown a yellow card
just seconds later for his over-zealous celebrations with the
fans.

Reid limped off in the 70th minute and had to be substituted
when he pulled up clutching his back after turning awkwardly on
his ankle.

Both teams wasted a handful of scoring opportunities in the
first half.

David Bentley missed a great chance to put Blackburn ahead
in the 28th minute when his deflected header shot past an open
goal.

At the other end, a left-footed effort from a sliding Eidur
Gudjohnsen hit the post seven minutes later after Geremi put in
a great pass in front of the Icelandic striker.

Chelsea enjoyed most of the possession following the
interval but keeper Brad Friedel preserved Blackburn's lead with
his athletic saves from the goalmouth.

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