Half-Time Report: Rudy Gestede keeps Blackburn Rovers' playoff hopes alive

Blackburn Rovers are keeping their unlikely hopes of reaching the Championship playoffs alive as they lead Wigan Athletic 3-1 at Ewood Park.

Rovers took the lead in the 13th minute when Tom Cairney picked up the ball on the left and drove into the box, beating three Wigan players before slotting a shot into the bottom corner.

However, Wigan were level within minutes as Martyn Waghorn's corner from the right was turned in by Ivan Ramis off the bar after James McClean had flicked the ball on at the near post.

Blackburn responded and retook the lead in the 19th minute when Craig Conway sped down the left flank and cut the ball back for Rudy Gestede, who fired the ball past Scott Carson.

The home side got their third of the afternoon when Conway cut in from the right and lifted a cross to the back post for Gestede, who powered a header into the bottom corner.

With results going their way, Rovers need a further four-goal swing with Reading to go to their advantage to sneak into sixth place in the table.