Rovers sneak past Blyth
06/01/2009 9:05 AM
were reminded of the challenge they faced within six minutes of the restart when Villanueva worked his way into a promising position 25 yards out and curled a left-foot shot just wide of the post with Bell anxiously trying to get across to his post.
But the Chilean made no mistake when presented with a second opportunity with 59 minutes gone.
Villanueva had been barged to the ground by Chris McCabe, and took full revenge when he curled the resulting free-kick high into Bell's top-left corner to ease his side in front.
It proved to be his last touch as Allardyce instantly introduced Jason Roberts and Keith Andrews, and the latter might have made his mark immediately had he not miskicked in front of goal.
Blackburn would have been home and dry had Treacy's 61st-minute shot crept over, rather than on to, the bar after flicking off full-back Kenny Boyle with the visitors finally flexing their muscles.
But as time ran down, Spartans threw everything they had left at the visitors, and came agonisingly close to snatching a replay.
Wright fired inches wide of the post with Bunn beaten with five minutes remaining and an unmarked Alex Gildea headed over two minutes later as the Premier League side rode its luck.