Blackburn Blasted Sheffield Wednesday away to open up a three point lead at the top of the Premiership last night. Wednesday had no answers as Roy Hodgson's Rovers stunned them with five goals in the opening 24 minutes at Ewood Park.

Kevin Gallacher began the avalanche after just three minutes when he headed home Stuart Ripley's corner from the edge of the six yard box.

Three minutes later Blackburn scored their second when Jason Wilcox released Gallacher with a lovely through-ball and the Scot beat Kevin Pressman to register his fourth goal of the season.

Wednesday hit back a minute later when Paolo Di Canio crossed from the right and Guy Whittingham pulled the ball back for Benito Carbone to hit home his second of the season. Blackburn refused to let the frantic pace drop and after nine minutes they restored their two goal advantage, when Ripley broke down the right and beat Ian Nolan before crossing into the middle, where the unfortunate Graham Hyde headed the ball into his own net.

Rovers scored goal number four after 19 minutes when Gallacher crossed from the right to Chris Sutton who laid the ball on for Wilcox to score his first of the season. Five minutes later Chris Sutton got in on the act when Wilcox found him just inside the penalty area and he curled home a delightful goal, his fourth of the season.

Sutton could have had a second on the half hour when Patrick Valery crossed from the right but the striker headed firmly at goalkeeper Kevin Pressman.

After 32 minutes, shellshocked Wednesday brought on Steve Nicol for Andy Booth who had taken a knock.

Di Canio should have pulled a goal back six minutes from the interval when he was played through by Carbone. Wednesday's record signing left Colin Hendry in his wake only to drag his shot across the goalmouth.

Lars Bohinen replaced the injured McKinlay just before half-time and after the interval Wednesday brought on Wayne Collins and David Hirst, who was available again after completing a three-match suspension, for Des Walker and Whittingham.

A minute later Carbone reduced the arrears with a terrific 30 yard effort for his second of the match.

Sheffield Wednesday finally began to show signs of life but Rovers quickly snuffed out any faint hope they had after 52 minutes when Gallacher found Bohinen at the back post for him to score his opening goal of the campaign. After 56 minutes Martin Dahlin, who scored the equaliser against Liverpool on Saturday, replaced Wilcox.

To complete Wednesday's night of woe Carbone was sent off on the hour for butting Gallacher.

Rovers, though, suffered a blow four minutes later when goalkeeper John Filan was stretchered off following a collision to be replaced by their fit-again Tim Flowers.

Gallacher went close to completing his hat-trick after 66 minutes when he drove a shot just past an upright from 25 yards out.

After 74 minutes Rovers scored their seventh when Ripley crossed for Sutton to tuck home his second of the night to complete the rout.

Blackburn Rovers: Filan (Flowers 64), Kenna, Hendry, Ripley, Gallacher, Sutton, Wilcox (Dahlin 57), Flitcroft, McKinlay (Bohinen 44), Pearce, Valery. Subs Not Used: Andersson, Broomes. Booked: Pearce. Goals: Bohinen 53, Gallacher 3, 7, Hyde 10 og, Sutton 24, 74, Wilcox 20.

Sheffield Wednesday: Pressman, Atherton, Nolan, Newsome, Walker (Collins 46), Whittingham (Hirst 46), Carbone, Booth (Nicol 32), Di Canio, Hyde, Blondeau. Subs Not Used: Oakes, Clarke. Sent Off: Carbone (60). Booked: Hyde, Carbone, Hirst. Goals: Carbone 8, 47.

Referee: J T Winter (Stockton-on-Tees).