Blackburn fire five warning shots

KEVIN GALLACHER blasted a brilliant hat-trick as Blackburn signalled their intention that the Premiership title race is far from over. Rovers overwhelmed Aston Villa at Ewood Park, with the Scot in dazzling form as he took his goal tally for the season to 16.

Captain Tim Sherwood scored Rovers' first and Stuart Ripley a terrific fifth as Blackburn climbed to second in the Premiership, five points behind Manchester United.

The champions have a game in hand and play at Southampton on Monday but Rovers are refusing to concede the title.

Rovers went close to breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes when Damien Duff's header was nodded back by Sutton and touched on by Sherwood for Colin Hendry to unleash a drive which was deflected over the bar.

From the resulting corner they went one better when Flitcroft flicked on Duff's near-post corner for Sherwood to score his sixth goal of the season from close range.

Blackburn doubled their lead on the half hour when Sherwood turned from goal-taker to goal-maker for Gallaher. Sutton played the ball forward and Sherwood flicked it on for Gallacher to score.

Rovers were now coasting and after 32 minutes, Jason Wilcox. who had replaced Gary Croft at left-back, threaded Sutton through and his shot went narrowly wide.

Aston Villa have won just twice on their league travels this season and, on the evidence of this first-half display, it was not hard to see why.

Only twice did they threaten to score, but Milosovic was woefully off target and Collymore was denied by Flowers.

Flitcroft went close with two shots just after the interval: after Gallacher set him up for a drive which was blocked by Bosnich, he then fired a second effort over the bar.

Gallacher directed a header Just over the top from Jeff Kenna's cross in the 51st minute but the Scot scored Rovers' third with a superb piece of individual skill on 53 minutes. Gallacher latched on to Hendry's long clearance and turned Steve Staunton inside-out before slotting home at the far post.

Gallacher duly completed his hat-trick after 68 minutes when he headed home Ripley's corner from close range. The 31-year-old striker was substituted four minutes later and left the pitch to a standing ovation from the home supporters.

Rovers were not finished and 10 minutes from time Ripley cracked home a 25-yard drive for their fifth goal and his second of the season.

After the game, Blackburn manager Roy Hodgson said: "We scored five goals but we could have scored even more. It was a very satisfying performance and I hope we continue like that for the next 15 games."