Rovers in europe

Blackburn Rovers secure UEFA Cup-qualifying 6th place in the league, following their home win over champions Chelsea. Steven Reid's first-half header enables Blackburn to go five points clear of Newcastle and ensure European football at Ewood Park next season. 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.