Yuki ends Valerien's dire run

BLACKBURN manager Valerien Ismael praised his side's desire and passion as they ended their eight-game winless run and picked up the first victory of his reign.

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Japan international Yuki Ohashi scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute to keep the visitors’ faint hopes of the play-offs alive despite playing the final half an hour with 10 men after Kristi Montgomery was sent off on his full debut for the club.

Ismael said: “First half we wanted to be really strong. We knew that we had to face the challenge here with a team fighting for survival.