SHEFFIELD Wednesday boss Paul Jewell blamed his leaky defence for triggering his team's downfall at Ewood on Saturday.

The struggling Owls had given a decent account of themselves in the opening half hour against a Rovers side looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.

But goals from Marcus Bent and Martin Taylor in the space of 10 first half minutes left his side facing a mountain to climb in their fight for First Division survival.

"In the first half hour there was nothing in it and it was a poor game," said Jewell.

"But I was disappointed that we didn't defend the throw-in or the corner properly.

"The manner in which we conceded the two goals was the most disappointing aspect of the whole afternoon.

"We were marginally better in the second half but, even then, we didn't create too many chances and it turned out to be a comfortable victory for them.

"But it was always going to be difficult coming here.

"The plus point was we didn't collapse. Blackburn are a good side but we should have made more chances.

"We don't seem to be able to open up defences.

"Once we switched our front players at half time, they looked livelier than those in the first half.

"But we never really looked like scoring.

"There's still a lot of games to go but we're in trouble and it's going to go to the wire.

"We're involved in a dog fight and we haven't got many options left.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "At the moment, Taylor's son-in-law material. But I don't want Son-in-Laws when they're out on the pitch.