BRIAN Kidd defied his critics after two more precious points slipped away from Blackburn Rovers' grasp at the Bescot Stadium last night.

Having seen some of the stories in the national press, the under-fire Rovers boss was wary of what he said after his team had totally dominated another game yet once again failed to produce the right result.

But he kept a cool head and shrugged off any obvious signs of stress.

Kidd can only ask one more thing from his players - to take their chances.

Until they do that, Rovers will continue to struggle.

Owner Jack Walker was not at the Bescot Stadium last night but there was nothing sinister in his absence. He was occupied elsewhere by business meetings.

If he had been present, he would undoubtedly have noted that there was nothing wrong with the commitment or overall quality of the team's performance.

But, unless they solve the scoring problems, they are going to continue to struggle.

Kidd, as always, didn't duck any questions, though he was unhappy with the way some of his comments after Saturday's game at Manchester City had been treated.

Asked if he felt under pressure, he responded: "Everybody in life is under pressure.

"I enjoy my work, I enjoy going in every day and I will not shirk away from anything. I think you have to look within yourself. "You can kid other people but you can't kid yourself.

"People can read into things differently.

"But I will never look for a cop-out, I'll leave it to you on what you have seen."

Rovers should have finished convincing winners last night and you would expect that anyway, given the contrasting circumstances of the two clubs.

They didn't, despite a fine performance lacking only finishing power.

Kidd, however, stressed that he accepts what really matters in the game.

"It's a results business, but I will not compromise my principles," he said.

"I feel for the players. They deserved more but I don't really want to say anything more because it's my responsibility.

"I have to be careful what I say because it gets misinterpreted. People say you lose your cool, you do this and that and it's absolute nonsense.

"When you look at a game and talk about tactics, systems and everything else, it kids people.

"What we got punished for is what I was reminding the lads about during the week, decision making, selection of pass, awareness. "But I don't want to say anything that sounds like an excuse. I don't want it to be taken like that.

"It's all about winning, it's as simple as that.

"To be fair to the defenders, you get something like that where they make one mistake and get punished.

"Quite rightly, they can point out the decent chances we have had and they have a case to be fair to them."

Rovers Reserves visit Aston Villa tonight (kick-off 7pm) and some of Rovers walking wounded may be ready to make a return.

Darren Peacock, Keith Gillespie, Steve Harkness and Damien Johnson have all been included in the squad after a spell on the sidelines.

Rovers will choose from: Kelly, Grayson, Harkness, McAteer, Peacock, Martin Taylor, Johnson, Dunn, Ostenstad, Blake, Gillespie, Gill, Williams, Murphy, Richardson and Thomas.

Derby were today discussing terms with former Ewood favourite Colin Hendry, who is unsettled at Rangers but is currently out of action with a knee injury.

Rovers will throw open the doors at Ewood with a special half-term family treat tomorrow.

Fans can watch the first team squad's training session at the main stadium, take pictures, get autographs etc.

Gates open at 9.30am at the Blackburn End and car parking is free.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.