Blackburn get late equaliser in the cup after Westwood takes ill

Blackburn 2 Coventry 2

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba’s dramatic late equaliser kept the Barclays Premier League club’s FA Cup dream alive.

Samba struck deep in stoppage time to force the ball home after stand-in goalkeeper Andy Marshall had fumbled a shot from substitute Keith Treacy.

Marshall, who had replaced Keiran Westwood, taken ill in the warm-up, was distraught at the end.

Coventry had looked on their way to the quarter-finals but instead had to settle for a replay.

Blackburn got off to a perfect start and made the breakthrough against the Coca-Cola Championship side after two minutes.

Roque Santa Cruz rifled a shot into the corner from an acute angle following a flick-on from Samba.

It was the fifth goal of the season by the Paraguay striker, who looked to be on his way to Manchester City in the transfer window.

Blackburn rejected a number of bids and although Santa Cruz’s long-term future is unclear, he will see out the season at least.

Coventry were stung by that early blow but responded 10 minutes later when Jordan Henderson made space down the right. He sent a shot across the face of the goal and beyond Paul Robinson but wide of the post.

It was Blackburn, however, who looked in control and were dominating possession.

Jason Roberts then got into a good position only to send a half-volley wide of the post.

Blackburn looked dangerous every time they broke forward and David Dunn picked out Carlos Villanueva in the 31st minute but he failed to test Marshall.

However, Coventry should have drawn level a minute later following Daniel Fox’s flighted free-kick.

Aron Gunnarsson peeled away from his marker but from in front of the posts he delivered a header closer to the corner flag than the goal.

Santa Cruz then came close to adding a second in the 40th minute after a fine cross from Villanueva, only to find the side netting with his shot.

Coventry again found themselves on the back foot two minutes later when Santa Cruz weighed up his effort from 25 yards, but it whistled past the post.

Marshall earned his corn in the 49th minute by turning Villanueva’s free-kick around the post after it had taken a deflection off the wall.

The lower league side suddenly stepped up the pressure and drew level on the hour mark with a stunning strike from Gunnarsson.

He latched on to a clearance from Gael Givet, took one touch and thundered a shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

It was a goal out of nothing and more than made up for his wayward header in the first half.

Gunnarsson was growing in confidence and carved out a chance in the 65th minute but his effort cleared the bar.

Givet thought he had regained the lead for Blackburn three minutes later but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.

Coventry maintained their grip on the game and took the lead in the 75th minute to stun the Premier League strugglers.

Michael Doyle’s instinctive effort came off Samba and looped over stranded goalkeeper Robinson.

Eastwood should have added a third six minutes later but sent a close-range shot wide of the post.

Samba grabbed a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time by taking advantage when Marshall spilled substitute Treacy’s effort and Coventry boss Chris Coleman was left cursing his luck.