Blackburn Rovers in relegation peril after ‘calamitous’ own goal from goalkeeper Aynsley Pears

Blackburn Rovers are at serious risk of relegation from the Championship after an own goal.

John Eustace’s side went into the game at Ewood Park knowing that victory would ensure their Championship survival for next season, but ultimately lost 3-1 to compatriots Sheffield Wednesday.

Rovers fell behind in the sixth minute when goalkeeper Aynsley Pears was caught off his line and lobbed by Josh Windass.

Sammie Szmodics equalized moments later, but Wednesday restored their lead through Marvin Johnson before a terrible own goal.

Rovers defender Dominic Hyam played the ball at Pears’ feet and he attempted to throw it forward and away from danger.

However, the keeper faked his clearance and it bounced behind him before landing in his own net, despite an attempt to stop it.

“An absolutely calamitous screamer at the back for Blackburn Rovers,” Adam Bridge described him in commentary for talkSPORT 2.

Former Barnsley midfielder Neil Redfearn added: “Wow, I can’t believe what I just saw there, it was a harmless ball kicked back to Pears.

“I mean, it’s probably moved a little bit but he has to deal with this, it’s horrible, what a mistake.

“If Blackburn struggles in the last few games of the season and loses, we have to look back on moments like that.”

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“Wow, extraordinary,” Bridge added later as Blackburn lost and found themselves just three points outside the Championship relegation zone.

Their final two matches present tough challenges as they take on eighth-placed Coventry City and league leaders Leicester City.

Wednesday’s victory significantly boosted their hopes of survival out of the bottom three.

Danny Rohl’s side are undefeated in four games and therefore have momentum going into the final two games, but just one point separates them from the relegation zone.