Ooijer starts Blackburn Rovers party early

By Gary York
Blackburn Citizen
Tuesday 19 August 2008

Blackburn Rovers hero Andre Ooijer joked that he celebrated his winning goal against Everton before smashing the ball home.

The Dutch defender simply could not miss from a yard out as he netted the injury-time winner in Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League victory at Goodison Park.

It was Ooijer’s first ever competitive goal for Blackburn since joining from PSV Eindhoven two summers ago.

And the veteran was more than happy at providing the finishing touch.

“I was probably cheering before it hit the back of the net,” said Ooijer.

“I don’t think I’d even hit it and I was celebrating the goal.

“We are very happy with the three points. I’m pleased to have scored, it was about two years too late.

“But whoever scores, scores. It is the points that are important.”

David Dunn gave Rovers the lead with a stunning 25-yard strike but, despite dominating the first-half, Paul Ince’s men were pegged back by Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.

Yakubu powered Everton ahead in the second-half until Roque Santa Cruz levelled moments later.

It was left to Ooijer to complete the job with seconds to spare, blasting home from close range after Ryan Nelsen had headed Stephen Warnock’s free-kick against the post.

Ooijer said: “In the first-half, we played really well.

“The second-half, we started not as well. They got a couple of chances to make it 2-1.But to strike back immediately was the key to the game.

“It looked for a long time it was going to end 2-2, but finally we got the winner.”

For the second successive season, Rovers have got their Premier League campaign off to a flyer on the road, and now Ooijer is hopeful that Rovers can build on their success in Merseyside.

“Let’s hope the season goes the same way this time, only a little better,” said the 34-year-old.