Blackburn qualify after 0-0 at Feyenoord

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Nov 23 (Reuters) Blackburn Rovers today held Feyenoord to a 0-0 draw in UEFA Cup Group E to cruise into the last 32 after a game slightly marred by crowd trouble.

Blackburn started well and came close to opening the scoring when Shabani Nonda set up Benni McCarthy after eight minutes only for the South African hit the side netting.

Nonda then missed the target with a header midway through the first half before Feyenoord's Angelos Charisteas found his way through the English defence but Brad Friedel saved.

Minutes before the interval the home side had their best chance when Nick Hofs' shot was blocked by Robbie Savage.

Blackburn are top with seven points from three matches, three above AS Nancy following their 2-2 draw at Basel.

Feyenoord are third with two points from two matches. The top three go through to the knockout phase.

Reuters SBA VP0345