Diouf ensures Blackburn progress in the Carling Cup
Published:Mame Biram Diouf marked his first start since arriving on loan at Blackburn with a hat-trick as they comfortably made it through to the third round of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 victory at home to Norwich.
Sam Allardyce’s men are now 33/1 to win the Carling Cup for the first time since 2002, with the Senegal international, who is on loan from Manchester United, grabbing two poacher’s goals and a close-range header.
Danish defender Jens Berthel Askou netted Norwich’s consolation in stoppage time.
Another team who are 33/1 to win the Carling Cup are Bolton, as they progressed 1-0 in a potentially hazardous away tie at League One promotion favourites Southampton.
Owen Coyle’s team made it eight games in a row unbeaten against the Saints when Ivan Klasnic prodded the ball home in the first half.
Sunderland also made smooth progress as Darren Bent struck both goals in a routine win against Colchester at the Stadium of Light and they are also 33/1 to win the Carling Cup.
West Ham and Wolves both fall in the 40/1 bracket after struggling to home wins against lower league opposition.
Scott Parker touched home from close range three minutes into stoppage time to give Hammers manager Avram Grant his first victory in a 1-0 triumph over Oxford.
Meanwhile, Richard Stearman scored in the last minute of extra time to give Wolves a 2-1 victory over League Two outfit Southend.
Blackpool were the only Premier League team to be eliminated at the second round stage after losing out 4-3 to MK Dons after extra time.
Lewis Guy was the hero with the winner and the Dons are a mammoth 350/1 to win the Carling Cup.
Brentford, Notts County and Northampton are other lower division teams to reach the third round. See the whole Carling Cup betting market.
