Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Southampton: Saints fail to win for third consecutive game

Southampton did not register a shot on target until the 80th minute

Blackburn Rovers held Southampton to a goalless draw at Ewood Park as Saints failed to win for the third Championship game in a row.

Russell Martin's side did not register a shot on target until the 80th minute as they stalled and could not take full advantage of Ipswich and Leeds both losing.

Fourth-placed Southampton are 12 points behind second-placed Ipswich but have two games in hand on the Tractor Boys.

Blackburn, meanwhile, are four points above the drop zone.

Adam Armstrong's early chance should have seen Southampton go ahead inside the first 10 minutes, but the former Blackburn man was not able to find the finish, scuffing it past the post from close range.

Martin's team dominated possession in the opening stages and Blackburn provided a threat on the break with dangermen Sammie Szmodics and Sam Gallagher looking lively.

Joe Aribo's header crashed against the Blackburn crossbar in the 25th minute as Southampton continued to apply pressure, searching for an opener.

The home side were dealt a blow seconds later as Ryan Hedges pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and was substituted.

Jan Bednarek almost handed a goal to the home side as he made a pass straight to Szmodics who then tried to chip Gavin Bazunu from distance but his effort landed on the roof of the net.

Che Adams came close to scoring for the hosts in the second half as he bent a shot wide from a narrow angle.

Blackburn threatened Bazunu's goal a number of times after that, with Szmodics and Joe Rankin-Costello missing opportunities.

Southampton had a big chance with 10 minutes remaining as Kyle Walker-Peters got an effort away inside the box but it was cleared by a blue and white shirt.

That was Southampton's first shot on target and they now look likely to have to settle for a play-off place.

Southampton boss Russell Martin told BBC Radio Solent:

"I thought it was a tough game. We asked for defensive mentality and we did brilliantly defending the box.

"We didn't create nearly enough though. Recently we have been scoring and creating lots but not defending well enough and today was the opposite.

"I'm pleased with the clean sheet, we needed that and deserved it, but we need to find a balance with it all."

Blackburn manager John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"It was an excellent, really exciting Championship game, two great teams going at it.

"It's very pleasing to get the clean sheet, the boys were throwing their bodies on the line. I'm disappointed we couldn't nick it in the end.

"It's important everyone sticks behind the team with all the effort the boys are putting in. We're fully committed and fighting for every point."