Kewell double sinks Rovers

Leeds players celebrate Kewell's opener

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Blackburn 1-2 Leeds United

Two second-half goals from Harry Kewell inspired Leeds to a hard-fought victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The Australian international struck in the 55th and 62nd minutes to secure three points for David O'Leary's side, moving them back into the top two of the Premiership.

But the visitors had to survive a late Blackburn onslaught after Henning Berg pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute.

This was a great three points, particularly vital with Liverpool winning on Saturday

David O'Leary

Injuries and suspensions saw Leeds boss David O'Leary give defender Michael Duberry his first Premiership start of the season.

The Irishman also named Mark Viduka alongside new £11m signing Robbie Fowler, opting to leave Robbie Keane on the bench.

Blackburn were without skipper Gary Flitcroft and Stig Inge Bjornbye, forcing manager Graeme Souness to name Alan Mahon and John Curtis in his starting line-up.

And the home side were immediately on the back foot as Leeds dominated the opening exchanges.

Friedel had to be at his very best to deny Mark Viduka three good goalscoring opportunities in the first-half.

But Leeds eventually managed to make their superiority count 10 minutes after the half-time interval.

On another day I think we would even have won this

Graeme Souness

Kewell pounced on a parry from Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel, who failed to hold a low shot from Robbie Fowler.

And he doubled Leeds' lead seven minutes later when he latched onto a right-wing cross from Gary Kelly.

However, Blackburn, who twice struck the woodwork through Matt Jansen and Tugay, finally got themselves on the scoresheet thanks to Berg.

The Norwegian capitalised on Leeds' indecisive defending, shooting past Nigel Martyn to set up a tense finale to the match.

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Blackburn: Friedel, Curtis, Berg, Short, Neill, Gillespie, Tugay, Dunn, Mahon, Jansen, Duff. Subs: Hughes, Johansson, Ostenstad, Grabbi, Kelly.

Leeds: Martyn, Mills, Duberry, Ferdinand, Harte, Kewell, Dacourt, Batty, Kelly, Fowler, Viduka. Subs: Keane, Wilcox, McMaster, Richardson, Robinson.

Referee: A D'Urso (Billericay)

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