Roar the lads home

Sep 21 2005 By Mel Booth, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PETER JACKSON plans to squeeze the life out of Blackburn's Carling Cup hopes tonight and has called on the army of travelling fans to roar Town to victory at Ewood Park (8.00).

Jackson is hunting a first win of his managerial career against Premier League opposition in a second-round tie for which Town are the heavy 13/2 underdogs.

Favourites Rovers, at 5/2 on, have confirmed Welsh international Craig Bellamy as a starter in their 4-5-1 formation while Town's only change is expected to be John McCombe for suspended Tom Clarke in the centre of defence.

Jackson, however, believes Town have the gameplan to cause an upset and join the likes of Grimsby Town and Gillingham in Saturday's third round draw - especially with 2,500 fans in full voice.

"We will be giving it our all, the fans need to get right behind us and Blackburn will not be looking forward to it," said Jackson today.

"The lads are up for a fight and it's important we come away from the game knowing we've done ourselves justice.

"Blackburn will be a bit low on confidence, but they've got quality players and we can't afford to give the ball away, otherwise we will get punished.

"We need to keep the ball, close Blackburn down when they are in possession and deny them space and time.

"If we stay tight we will create a firm base and have a great chance of winning."

Jackson has rubbished reports suggesting Town are interested in ex-Bristol City manager Brian Tinnion, 37, as a player.

Lee Fowler had 90 minutes for Boston in their 3-2 friendly defeat to Rushden.