STEPHANE Henchoz has come back from the brink of a ban - by turning out for Blackburn Rovers' reserve team at Ewood last night!

The Swiss international had four yellow cards to his name, just one more away from a two-match suspension.

But, by playing the full 90 minutes in the Pontin's League game against Sheffield Wednesday, he has now completed five full matches without a caution and has applied to have one of his cards wiped out.

That will take him back to three and remove the threat for the time being at least.

Henchoz has been walking a tightrope ever since he was cautioned in the win over Aston Villa a month ago. Now he and manager Roy Hodgson can breathe a little more easily.

He just coasted through last night's game, playing in a defensive midfield role but trying to ensure he stayed well away from trouble.

There was only one anxious moment, when he fouled an opponent early in the second half. But the card stayed in the referee's pocket.

As reserve team bookings count towards suspensions for the first team, Rovers were well within their rights to use the system to take the heat off Henchoz.

Other clubs, notably Arsenal with Steve Bould, have done likewise.

With the possibility of some frantic physical battles coming up, starting at Southampton on Saturday, Rovers do not need any extra handicaps, such as worrying about picking up bans. Southampton suffered a surprise home defeat last night, going down 2-1 to Coventry.

Dell boss David Jones said:"As a manager it's hard to tell your players we just did not perform tonight. They knew they let themselves and the fans down and we know there are a lot of things we can improve on."

Late goals from David Beckham and Ryan Giggs saw Manchester United to a 2-0 win at Aston Villa which stretched their lead to seven points over Liverpool and eight on Rovers.

"The players looked fresh and hungry and, while we haven't been doing so well, other teams have failed to take advantage, which has been a big bonus to us," said Alex Ferguson.

Chelsea's win over Arsenal means Rovers' trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, March 28, is off, as it clashes with the Coca-Cola Cup final.

Left back Tony Whealing has been made available on a free transfer and is having trials with Burnley.

The 21-year-old's only first team experience with Rovers is as a substitute (not used) in two of the club's Champions' League games against Spartack Moscow and Rosenborg.

Three other young defenders, Eddie McCallion, Ben Brewer and Mark Benson, have been released.

Next Wednesday's FA Cup fifth round replay against West Ham will NOT be televised 'live' by Sky TV. They are showing the Oakwell tie.

Tickets are currently on sale for the replay which is a category B fixture, with prices £16-20, concessions where available £10.

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