A 6,000-strong United following were always expecting a tough Lancashire derby - and the game didn't disappoint.

Roque Santa Cruz had Chelsea fans celebrating as he opened the scoring on 21 minutes. Motren Gamst Pedersen's throw-in eluded Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back and allowed Cruz to poke home from twelve yards out.

United had already looked shaky at the back with Tomasz Kusczack denying Jason Roberts in the early exchanges, whilst David Bentley went close to doubling the home side's advantage shortly after the deadlock was broken.

United were getting frustrated - Wayne Rooney booked for dissent moments before half-time after being denied a penalty following a tackle from Steven Reid.

The Reds upped the tempo after the interval but struggled to find a way passed a resolute Blackburn defence. Rovers stopper Brad Frediel produced a simply stunning display - pulling off some spectacular saves to deny United.

However, in champion fashion, United continued to battle away into the dieing moments and snatched a dramatic equaliser with just two minutes left on the clock. Nani's corner was flicked on by Scholes and Tevez curled his header passed an otherwise immortal Frediel.

The travelling masses, huddled in the Darwen End, went ballistic. Tevez's header means United, due to their fantastic goal difference, can almost certainly win the league by beating West Ham and Wigan. However, avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge and we can really start counting our chickens......

Full Time - Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 30,316

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