A second-half strike from Lewis Grabban gave Bournemouth a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the Championship this evening.
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Both goalkeepers were tested in the opening 10 minutes as Grabban forced Paul Robinson to punch the ball away with a shot for the visitors, while Lee Camp denied Rudy Gestede as he tried to head in from a corner.
Matt Ritchie had a series of chances for the visitors, but Robinson was able to turn one behind for a corner, while several others drifted wide of the target.
The best chance of the opening half came two minutes before the break as Steve Cook had a header for the visitors, but saw his attempt bounce back off the post.
The home side made a bright start to the second half as Gestede looked to catch Camp out with a long-range strike just four minutes after the restart, but the Bournemouth keeper made a comfortable save.
Craig Conway made a good run out wide before crossing in for Jordan Rhodes, but the Scottish international's header went well wide from close range.
Despite Blackburn's strong start to the second period, the visitors were able to take the lead when Grabban drilled the ball low from 25 yards out, beating Robinson at the near post.
The goal resulted in the home side losing their focus for a spell, before they forced a series of corners as the final 10 minutes approached, but Bournemouth were able to clear three times to protect their lead.
Sian Cowper
