Rovers rise against gritty Portsmouth

BLACKBURN, England (AFP) — Blackburn moved up to a season-high eighth place in the English Premiership table after a hard fought 2-1 victory against Portsmouth at Ewood Park.

Rovers' fourth win in a row - and third in the league - moved them above north west rivals Manchester City after goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Paul Dickov gave them a come-from-behind win following Matthew Taylor's opener.

The defeat left the visitors firmly rooted in the relegation zone, two points from safety.

Buzzing from the news earlier in the day that French businessman Alexandre Gaydamak is set to boost the club's finances by investing in the club and becoming an equal partner with owner Milan Mandaric, Portsmouth were quickest out of the traps.

Taylor fired them in front in the third minute with a well taken free-kick that left former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel helpless. ...