Blackburn Rovers have started life without John Eustace with a shock 2-0 success over playoff rivals West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
After the ecstasy of a last-gasp winner against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon, Baggies supporters were deprived of moments of excitement against Rovers, with two sides battling for a spot in the playoffs lacking the required quality to break the deadlock during the opening 45 minutes.
That being said, Albion came mightily close to finding the net first for the fourth game in succession, with defender Torbjorn Heggem firing his header off the post following an inviting cross from January arrival Isaac Price - a rare slither of goalmouth action for the first-period spectators.
There was no-such shortage of drama at the beginning of the second half, though, when Makhtar Gueye bagged his fourth Championship strike of the season, with the attacker's acrobatic effort stinging the palms of Joe Wildsmith before finding the back of the Albion net.
While West Brom pushed for an equaliser, Rovers possessed a distinct threat on the break, and it was Gueye on hand once again to finish off a swift counter-attack, sparking scenes of jubilance amongst a small-yet-boisterous away following in the West Midlands.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Carter White live from The Hawthorns:
Seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since the beginning of September, West Brom dominated the first half but failed to open the scoring when they had a chokehold on proceedings, with a tasty-sounding front three of Adam Armstrong, Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows struggling to click on its maiden outing.
Damaged by the loss of Eustace earlier this week, a Blackburn outfit led by caretaker boss David Lowe weathered plenty of storms at The Hawthorns and threw punches when it mattered most, with forward Gueye surely to be the topic of nightmares across the Black Country tonight.
Owing to the lack of a clear favourite for the fifth and sixth positions in the Championship this term, Albion will have the opportunity to bounce back from this disappointment, however their continued inconsistency could cost them a spot in the playoff spots by the end of the season.
WEST BROM VS. BLACKBURN ROVERS HIGHLIGHTS
21st min: Torbjorn Heggem (West Brom) hits post
Guilty of some less-than-accurate passing on numerous occasions during this opening period, centre-back Heggem nearly provided a vital attacking contribution for West Brom, although his header rattled off the post and away from danger, allowing the managerless visitors to stay on level terms.
Makhtar Gueye goal vs. West Brom (46th min, West Brom 0-1 Blackburn Rovers)
Blackburn are out the blocks in sensational style at the beginning of this second half! John Buckley lofts a corner to the back post, where Dominic Hyam does well to rise above his West Brom counterparts, guiding a header into the path of an unmarked Gueye just outside the six-yard box.
The Senegal striker had an awful lot to do and opted for an acrobatic effort, with the ball fizzing off the palms of Joe Wildsmith and deflecting into the net, allowing Rovers to enjoy the perfect start to the second 45 minutes following a tumultuous couple of days around the club.
Chants of "Are you watching, John Eustace" are coming from a delighted away end after that Gueye goal. The Blackburn faithful are looking on the bright side of a sobering managerial situation at Ewood Park.
Makhtar Gueye goal vs. West Brom (62nd min, West Brom 0-2 Blackburn Rovers)
Just minutes after West Brom thought that they had equalised through the boot of winter signing Will Lankshear, Blackburn have doubled their advantage courtesy of a swift counter, with the towering Gueye inflicting further damage on the playoff hopes of Tony Mowbray's Baggies.
Travis drives down the right flank to commence a swift Rovers getaway and picks out former Albion man Andreas Weimann in the box, with the Austrian's header finding the feet on Gueye, who moves to the ball onto his right foot - creating space between himself and Heggem - before punching a strike past Wildsmith.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MAKHTAR GUEYE
During a contest decided by fleeting moments of quality, Gueye was on hand to drag Blackburn to success at the front end of the pitch, bringing his goal tally to five for the campaign in the Championship.
The towering marksman left a few elbows on the West Brom backline during a scrappy opening period but showcased his footballing ability in the second half, with an acrobatic effort followed by a composed finish, one which put the game beyond the frustrated hosts.
WEST BROM VS. BLACKBURN ROVERS MATCH STATS
Possession: West Brom 66%-34% Blackburn Rovers
Shots: West Brom 10-6 Blackburn Rovers
Shots on target: West Brom 2-4 Blackburn Rovers
Corners: West Brom 9-1 Blackburn Rovers
Fouls: West Brom 7-10 Blackburn Rovers
WHAT NEXT?
Failing to clinch back-to-back wins once again, West Brom are set to continue their faltering quest for consistency at the intimidating home of Millwall on Saturday afternoon, when the Baggies will need to respond positively to keep their status as a top-six occupier.
Following consecutive defeats and the departure of Eustace in the build-up to this match, managerless Blackburn will aim for some home comforts on the weekend as Plymouth Argyle visit Ewood Park, with the Green Army notoriously poor on the road in the Championship.
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