BLACKBURN Rovers made Chelsea eat their words last night with a stinging response on the pitch to some insulting comments in the Stamford Bridge match programme, writes Peter White.

But it couldn't clinch a UEFA Cup spot for Ray Harford's men, despite an excellent performance, that was partly motivated by some unflattering pen pictures in the programme.

Rovers boss Harford (pictured) was bitterly disappointed that his side had been edged out of the final European spot.

And, understandably, a little bit peeved at the stinging comments about his players in an official publication.

But he was delighted with the way they had played and underlined: "They didn't need any extra motivation after reading the programme.

"I thought it was scandalous really, but we won't be taking it any further. It's over as far as I am concerned.

"But it certainly wound the lads up."

Goalkeeper Tim Flowers was saddened rather than infuriated by the comments, saying: "I don't think there's any need for that kind of thing. "It's very disappointing really."

Rovers took their revenge out where it mattered most, on the pitch, with another good performance - though that European place was snatched away in the closing minutes by events elsewhere.

In the pen-pictures, Flowers was lampooned for a soft goal he conceded recently against Liverpool; winger Stuart Ripley suffered a jibe for his lack of goalscoring success; Chris Coleman was pilloried for his performance for Wales last week and diminutive Matty Holmes was described as "the only player who looks exactly like his Premiership figurine".

Neil Barnett, editor of Chelsea's award-winning programme, defended the less than flattering write-ups, saying: "I'm not the author of the pen-pictures but it is my decision to pass them for the programme.

"OK they are a bit different from the normal flattery you find in other programmes, but it is a pity if Blackburn are upset. It is only meant as a bit of fun." Rovers finished seventh, after taking 13 points out of the last 15.

They will reflect on the previous week's draw against Arsenal which, ultimately, cost them that UEFA Cup place.

Meanwhile, Kevin Gallacher had to be substituted midway through the first half with hamstring problems.

The Scot will be carefully checked today, with a USA tour coming up prior to the European Championship finals next month.

It will be fingers crossed that the injury does not prove troublesome and cause problems for a man who has battled back brilliantly to put himself in the frame for Euro 96. Harford also revealed that he had been forced to take off goalscorer Graham Fenton at Stamford Bridge, because the striker wasn't feeling well.

He had been sick in the dressing room at half time and was having problems with his breathing.

Rovers B team rounded off their Lancashire League Second Division championship season with a 3-2 victory over Burnley B at Gawthorpe. Scorers were James Thomas, Junior Obeng and Luke Staton. The A team completed their programme with a 3-1 win at Tranmere, James Beattie, Scott Hewitt and Craig Chisholm on target.

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