ROVERS: Eriksson guns down Blackburn as Hodgson rings the changes

THE irony was probably lost on the Swedes shoe-horned into the neat and tiny Stadsparksvallen Stadium in Jonkoping on Saturday, but Rovers fans can afford a wry smile.

Roy Hodgson's first game in charge was marked by a narrow defeat at the hands of top Swedish club IFK, the only goal coming from a man called - Eriksson!

Just when we thought we had heard the last of that name here it was again.

Unlike Sven Goran, however, there was no "maybe, maybe not" indecision about Peter Eriksson as he finished off a good move in the 53rd minute to crown IFK's best spell of the game.

Perhaps defeat was, overall, a touch harsh on Rovers although there is no doubt that the Swedish League leaders and - once again - title favourites Gothenburg had the best two openings of the match.

And, at the highest level of the European game, that's often enough.

But Rovers will take heart from several aspects of their performance in what was truly a game of two halves.

They began with two of their new signings, central defender Stephane Henchoz and midfielder Anders Andersson, in the line-up then made a staggering nine changes at the interval.

Fielding what was virtually a new team - Tim Flowers was the only man to play 90 minutes - they were certainly not as effective as in the first half.

That was similar to how the new manager saw it. Rovers shaded the first half, Gothenburg enjoyed the better of the second and the Swedes, midway through their domestic season, made it count when they were on top.

It was a typical European game, if there is such a thing. Hodgson, at times an animated figure on the bench, clearly wants his team to play a passing style and his conventional use of the wide players made for a familiar 4-4-2 formation.

Stuart Ripley showed that he could well be back in the frame with a vengeance after his injury problems of last winter. He looked sharp and eager and played virtually a full game.

Of the new men, Henchoz immediately impressed as a cool customer.

It might take a little time for the Swiss star to adjust to the frantic pace of the Premiership, but he displayed some classy touches against an IFK side who tried to break swiftly and in numbers from midfield.

Andersson started alongside Tim Sherwood and, as he is already match-fit, had no trouble getting into the pace of the game.

A busy, terrier-like player he was unlucky not to mark his debut with a goal.

In the second half Frenchman Patrick Valery went on at right back. Stocky and strong, he showed a liking for an advanced role as if more accustomed to playing wing back. Before the game Rovers seemed to be in for a very tough challenge.

IFK are on course for another Swedish title as well as the Champions League and have a full head of steam up at the moment.

Rovers had been back in pre-season training only just over a week and it always takes a little time to shake off the ring rust.

But they began well. The central defensive partnership of Henchoz and Ian Pearce was solid enough, although Gary Croft had to make a brilliant tackle on Eriksson in the early stages.

Tim Flowers also had to be lively to thwart the lightning-quick substitute Emmanuel Tetteh, who had replaced injured Jonny Ekstrom.

Rovers, however, generally had the better of things in a tight, cautious first half.

Ripley was a threat and, from his cross in the opening minute, livewire Kevin Gallacher was only just wide at the near post.

They could have had the lead in the ninth minute when Pearce found Ripley again with a tremendous volleyed pass and Thomas Ravelli was forced into a good save from Andersson's flying header.

IFK had one or two half chances, while Chris Sutton brought another save from Ravelli. The whole nature of the match changed at the interval with Rovers' wholesale substitutions and, while the new team was settling down, IFK sensed their chance.

Flowers saved superbly from Tetteh just after the interval before Rovers were opened up by midfielders Eriksson and Par Karlsson.

A quick exchange of passes and Eriksson was clear on goal, steadying himself before hitting a low shot past a helpless keeper.

In front and in control, Gothenburg rarely looked like losing their lead, Garry Flitcroft going closest to a Rovers goal with a header over the bar.

It's always disappointing to lose, even pre-season friendly matches. But Rovers - and Hodgson - will have derived much benefit from such a challenging start.

Rovers fell foul of one of the new rules coming in this season.

Gary Croft took an early throw-in to Tim Flowers, the keeper picked up the ball and the referee gave an indirect free kick.

Boss Roy Hodgson admitted: "It's our own fault we didn't check up if the rule was being applied. We actually discussed whether we should put it into operation for our own benefit, but decided it was going to be a tough enough game without adding to the difficulties."

Clearly, someone should have told the referee!

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