WREXHAM gave Premier League Blackburn Rovers a good run for their money in an entertaining pre-season game at The Racecourse last night, writes Dave North.

Wrexham came from behind to take a 2-1 lead but then missed a penalty that sparked Rovers' second half revival.

One notable absentee was Wrexham's hoped-for new signing, Jim Whitley.

He agreed a two-year deal but that was mysteriously blocked, presumably at board level.

It left Whitley, formerly with Manchester City, and manager Brian Flynn in embarrassing positions.

All Flynn would say was, "The deal has been put on hold and is not going ahead at the moment and Jim will not be involved tonight.''

Wales manager Mark Hughes was involved against his home-town club, named as one of Rovers' eight substitutes.

Nathan Blake went close to giving Rovers at 11th-minute lead, but his header came back out off the bar. Soon after Gary Flitcroft made it 1-0 with an unchallenged header from a corner.

Wrexham hit back to level four minutes later. Craig Faulconbridge, last season's top scorer, launched into a diving header from Michael Black-wood's cross to score.

David Walsh, Wrexham's Welsh under-21 international goalkeeper, kept his side afloat with a tremendous one-handed save from Blake, but the Dragons were well worthy to be level.

Hector Sam gave Wrexham a 2-1 lead early in the second half but then the Dragons wasted a glorious chance of going further ahead.

Hughes brought down Lee Trundle in the box for a penalty. Trundle took the kick himself but it was kept out by keeper John Filan.

That sparked Rovers' revival and they clinched victory with two goals by former Manchester United and Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie.