CLUB STORIES

Andi Weimann's spectacular goal ensured that 10-man Blackburn Rovers secured a point in the Lancashire derby, resulting in a lively 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor. The Austrian netted his third goal for Rovers in impressive fashion, delivering a half-volley from 25 yards that soared past James Trafford, equalizing after Lyle Foster’s early header had given Burnley the lead.

Rovers started the second half strong, but the momentum shifted in Burnley’s favor when Makhtar Gueye received a second yellow card for gesturing for a booking, forcing Rovers to play with ten men for over half an hour. Under the leadership of Lewis Travis, who put on a stellar captain’s performance, Rovers defended resolutely, with Owen Beck shining in his first appearance for the club.

The manager made three changes from the team that faced Oxford United in their last league outing, including a debut for new signing Owen Beck. The Liverpool loanee replaced Harry Pickering, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained in the midweek Carabao Cup match against Blackpool. Makhtar Gueye started upfront, replacing Yuki Ohashi, who moved to the bench, while Weimann took Joe Rankin-Costello's place in the lineup.

New signings Balazs Toth, Lewis Baker, and Amario Cozier-Duberry were added to the squad and started on the bench, although Todd Cantwell was not registered in time for the match. Rovers nearly took the lead in the opening 30 seconds when James Trafford’s clearance landed at Weimann's feet. He attempted a 40-yard shot that narrowly missed the target.

Burnley opened the scoring with their first significant attack as Foster headed home unchallenged from Jaidon Anthony’s cross. After Luca Koleosho’s weak shot was saved by Aynsley Pears, Rovers equalized midway through the first half with Weimann's stunning volley, following a flick from Gueye that set him up perfectly.

Rovers appeared to take the lead when Lewis Travis’ pass found Tyrhys Dolan, who finished neatly, but the goal was ruled offside. As halftime approached, Pears or his left-hand post denied a near-post header from a Lucas Pires corner.

Rovers started the second half with vigor, and Dolan nearly scored with a shot aimed at the near post, only for Trafford to make a crucial save. The turning point came just before the hour mark when Gueye was sent off for a second yellow card after gesturing for a booking.

Despite being a man down, Rovers managed to keep Burnley at bay, with the hosts' only real chance coming from Josh Brownhill's shot that went wide. Stoke City loanee Lewis Baker made his debut with 17 minutes remaining, replacing Ryan Hedges, as Rovers held on for the draw. Free kicks from Manuel Benson and Brownhill went over the bar as Rovers showed determination to secure a point.

After a two-week international break, Rovers will return to action with a home match against Bristol City on Saturday, September 14th, with a 3 pm kick-off at Ewood Park.

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