If Blackburn dodge relegation, then no one will have done more to help their great escape than Damien Duff. The Republic of Ireland winger was the match-winner against Aston Villa and Ipswich last month, and he repeated his feat as Southampton were well-beaten 2-0 at Ewood Park tonight.
Duff has been linked with a move to Arsenal if Blackburn go down, but on the field at least he shows no signs of any yearning for north London. Quite simply, Duff was once again the difference for Blackburn.
Duff's goal, the opener, was of the sort that is quickly becoming his trademark - bursting off his left flank and placing a shot with his right foot into the far corner. Two minutes later and Duff had helped make it 2-0. Jansen did supremely well to turn away from three Southampton players, kept his feet despite some barging by Claus Lundekvam and set up Duff, who crossed for Spanish forward Yordi to climb high above Paul Williams and head powerfully past Jones.
It was a vital victory, after results in the afternoon matches had conspired to see Blackburn sink into the relegation zone.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
