Rovers reserves beat Chorley three-one this afternoon at Victory Park, Chorley.Blackburn scored in the first minute with a well taken finish from from Matt Derbyshire , which was swiftly equalised by an unknown Chorley man.
The academy outfit fielded a decent side, including Jemal Johnson and Matt Derbyshire up front, Andy Taylor and Eddie Nolan at the back and I think Keith Treacey wide on left. Also including I think were Bryan Hodges and Tony Kane
After paying £6 to get through the turnstile, the first thing I noticed was the absolutely appalling state of the pitch-extremely hard, with long tufty grass and and an uneven surface all over.
This did not benefit Rovers passing style , particulary in the first half.
Rovers went ahead after about 25 minutes with a great header form a corner on the right, Nolan the scorer.
Half time was 2-1 Rovers.
A few changes were made after the break, with Jemal being replaced by Joe Garner, who had a very impressive second half.
Derbyshire then got a knock, and back came JJ to form a good looking partnership with Garner.
Indeed, after a spell of Rovers pressure, Jemal Johnson was clattered by the Chorley goalkeeper, himself a second half sub for the original and slightly overweight first choice stopper, and from the free kick Johnson cleverly clipped a low right footed shot into the bottom left corner of the Chorley net.
Glyn Hodges men were far the fitter side, and despite the rubbish playing surface, played an increasingly quick and slick passing game as the game progressed, with Chorley looking like the poor side they probably are.
Final score 3-1 to Rovers, a routine run out for the youngsters.