Smith reeling as Rovers destroy Derby

Graeme Souness inspired a remarkable comeback from his players last night as Blackburn set up a fifth-round derby with Bolton.

Until manager Souness had read the riot act at half-time, Blackburn looked to be on their way out of the FA Cup, with Derby in control after Chris Riggott's third-minute header.

But after the interval Blackburn launched an impressive counter-offensive to destroy their Premiership opponents with goals from skipper Garry Flitcroft, Marcus Bent, two, David Dunn and Matt Jansen.

Riggott's goal, a firm header from Craig Burley's free kick, meant the centre half had scored in the FA Cup, Premiership and Worthington Cup in his debut season. Little wonder that the 20-year-old England Under 21 prospect danced with delight, though Souness will surely have been furious at the way his defenders allowed the youngster to move unopposed through the area.

Derby could easily have been three ahead after 19 minutes. Stefano Eranio delivered a through ball for Malcolm Christie which allowed the striker to challenge Brad Freidel unmarked. The goalkeeper, however, blocked his opponent's first strike, then smothered the rebound. Moments later Burley's pass set up Christie again but Freidel saved with his body. Rovers, beaten only once in their previous 17 games, hit back after Souness' rocket. They equalised three minutes into the second half when Jason McAteer's corner was headed on by John Curtis and Bent, giving Flitcroft a simple tap in.

Bent then scored the first of his two goals before a David Dunn penalty made it 3-1. Derby hit back through Eranio after 70 minutes but Bent scored a minute later and substitute Matt Jensen wrapped it up.