THEY might wonder how they did it but Wanderers claimed their fifth clean sheet in six games at Ewood Park to take their Premiership haul to 39 points - and surely so close to safety.

Andy Cole missed first half chances as Damien Duff tormented the Wanderers defence but it was Duff who almost snatched it a minute from time when he got himself in a tangle in the goalmouth with the goal virtually at his mercy.

Once again manager Sam Allardyce had his defenders to thank Florent Laville and Gudni Bergsson outstanding with Jussi Jaaskelainen flawless and Ivan Campo working the defensive midfield role to perfection.

The point was all the nmore valuable with West Ham beating Middlesbrough 1-0 at Upton Park to cut the gap to four points.

Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock filed team news, a half-time report and a full-time match report from Blackburn.

Reaction and The Big Match Verdict from the Ewood Park match is available on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, reaction and The Big Match Verdict from Saturday's vital Okocha-inspired victory over West Ham is available now.

We also provide comprehensive coverage of all Wanderers matches this season.