Blackburn Rovers edged into the second round of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic late turnaround at Burton Albion, with substitutes Andri Gudjohnsen and Jayden Fevrier scoring inside the final 10 minutes to seal a 2-1 victory.
Late strikes snatch victory
The League One hosts had led for much of the tie after 18-year-old Zac Scutt put Burton ahead in the 14th minute. Rovers looked second-best for long spells, only coming to life in the closing stages when two substitutes turned the tie on its head.
Gudjohnsen, introduced from the bench, glanced home Todd Cantwell’s cross with nine minutes remaining to level before Fevrier curled a decisive finish from the edge of the area with two minutes to play. The late goals spared Blackburn’s blushes and moved Tony Mowbray’s men into round two.
Opportunities wasted in the first half
Blackburn created good openings early on but failed to convert. Cantwell and Yuki Ohashi were both presented with gilt-edged chances in the first half and keeper Corey Addai produced crucial saves to keep Burton ahead going into the interval.
Balazs Toth, Blackburn’s goalkeeper, was also called into action for Rovers, producing an early double save to keep the scoreline level after Burton’s fast start. Burton nearly doubled their advantage early in the second half when Kyran Lofthouse saw a near-post effort cleared off the line after Kegs Chauke’s cross had evaded Matty Dennis.
- Scutt opened the scoring for Burton after 14 minutes.
- Gudjohnsen equalised with nine minutes remaining.
- Fevrier struck with two minutes left to secure the win for Blackburn.
Managerial reflections
It was a noteworthy night for Blackburn’s managerial setup, with Tony Mowbray back in the Rovers dugout. He urged his side to be more clinical despite eventual success, pointing to the number of missed chances they created.
“We said at half time that we should have scored four or five goals. Not could have. Should have. They were gilt edged chances and if you suffer missing chances like that in the league, you’re not going to win games, get points or move up the table.”
Mowbray was also pleased for Fevrier, the summer signing from Stockport, after the forward provided the decisive moment. His comment underlined the manager’s wish for players who can produce moments of individual quality.
“We ended up finding a way and I am pleased for Fevrier, he has come in from Stockport and it’s important that the supporters know that I asked for someone to come in with a bit of magic in their boots and who can score a goal out of nothing.”
For Burton, former Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer praised his players despite the loss, suggesting the absence of experienced options from the bench cost his side as the game turned late on.
“The lads that played and those who came on ran themselves into the ground. We have run another Championship side very close. They have been able to bring experience from the bench which has won them the game and we just didn’t have that option today.”
What it means for Blackburn
The win sends Blackburn into the next round of the Carabao Cup and gives Mowbray a winning start back in charge. Yet the performance underlines issues he will want to address quickly: finishing chances and game control, especially away from home. Fans in Blackburn will take heart from the resilience shown late on, but will expect improvements if the club are to mount a challenge in the Championship.
| Score | Scorers | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burton 1–2 Blackburn | Scutt (Burton); Gudjohnsen, Fevrier (Blackburn) | Late strikes; Mowbray's return; Bowyer praised his side |
Blackburn will now prepare for the next round while taking from Burton a reminder that matches can be won in many ways — sometimes, you need a bit of late magic.
