The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 11 April 2012

Carroll service denies brave Rovers a point

An injury-time Andy Carroll header earned Liverpool a 3-2 win at Blackburn after Kenny Dalglish's side had surrendered a two-goal lead. Maxi Rod-riguez scored twice in the opening 16 minutes before Liverpool's reserve goalkeeper, Doni, above, was sent-off. Yakubu missed the resultant penalty but made amends with two later goals – one from the spot. MORE

Balotelli let off by inconsistent FA

The Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will not face action over his challenge on Arsenal's Alex Song after the referee Martin Atkinson said he saw the incident. The Italian could now return against Manchester United at the end of the month. MORE

Ivanovic faces three-game ban

Chelsea's trophy hopes have been dealt a blow after Branislav Ivanovic was charged with violent conduct. The Serbian appeared to strike Wigan's Shaun Maloney off the ball last Saturday – he could face a retrospective three-game suspension. MORE

Derry misses out after losing appeal

Queen's Park Rangers captain Shaun Derry will miss tonight's visit of Swansea City after losing his appeal against his red card at Manchester United on Sunday. Derry was dismissed for a challenge on Ashley Young in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. MORE

Royals show Harte for promotion

Reading moved back level on points with leaders Southampton after winning 1-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ian Harte scoring with an early free kick for Brian McDermott's side. Elsewhere, Harry Kane gave Millwall a 1-0 win at Portsmouth. MORE

Wasps in danger of being stung

Wasps remain in severe danger of entering administration if they do not attract further investment by the end of the season. Takeover talks have collapsed, leaving the Premiership side in a perilous position ahead of the season's completion next month. MORE

Murray hopes to make Gold standard

Andy Murray believes winning Gold at the Olympics would represent a bigger acheivement than securing a Grand Slam title. "Olympic gold is bigger," he said. "The Olympics is bigger than tennis. It's the biggest sporting competition in the world." MORE

Taaffe seeks Treacle history

Tom Taaffe hopes to emulate family fortunes when he saddles Treacle in Saturday's Grand National, following his father's success at Aintree. Pat Taaffe rode two National winners, Quare Times in 1955 and Gay Trip 15 years later. MORE

Philander ready to trouble England

South African Vernon Philander is set to play a prominent role in English cricketing fortunes this summer. The Somerset all-rounder has taken a remarkable 51 wickets in just seven Tests, at an average of 14, and could trouble England this summer. MORE

Interview: Mark Halsey

I woke up to find Michelle crying her eyes out. She said the doctor was coming to see me and I could tell from her face that I was in trouble. The doctor said they had found more than they thought they were going to find. MORE