IT was the ritual which almost killed her, but devoted Rovers fan Peggy Tyson was determined to light another candle and pray for her team to win last night.

And this time her prayers were answered -- as Rovers pulled off something of an Easter miracle, winning 4-3 at Fulham.

Peggy, 92, cheated death at the weekend by feeling her way to safety as her home in Edmund Street, Blackburn, filled with smoke. She had realised her house was on fire when she touched a door handle and discovered it was hot.

Fire crews believe the fire was started by the candle, which she always lit in her front room whenever Rovers played. The house was badly smoke damaged on Saturday -- the day the team lost 2-1 at home to Leeds United.

Peggy is now at Kingsway Home For The Elderly, Montague Street, Blackburn, while a decision is taken about what to do with her house.

Staff there allowed her to light a candle two minutes before last night's game, and lent her a radio so she could listen to the match in her room.

Peggy, a devout Roman Catholic, said her prayer: "Please, holy Mother, help them to put the ball in the right net", before settling down to the game.

Peggy said: "Rovers have been a part of my life for such a long time, I listen to every game, but I've been telling Mary she's not been listening much this season.

"I know the candle caused the fire but it is something I have done for a very long time.

"Everyone has been very nice to me since the fire but I am hoping I will be able to move back soon."