FORMER Premiership champions Blackburn Rovers sent a reserve side to Vauxhall Motors for a friendly on Tuesday – and ran out big winners.
The game ended 5-1 to the visitors, although it was just 1-0 at half time thanks to a goal from Julio Santa Cruz, brother of Manchester City’s former Blackburn striker Roque.
After the break, however, Rovers stepped up a gear and Santa Cruz was joined on the scoresheet by Jason Lowe, Marcus Marshall, Josh Morris, who scored from the penalty spot, and Andy Haworth.
Karl Noon pulled one back for the Motormen.
Motors’ young squad, which contained a selection of trialists, will have taken a lot from the game and boss Carl Macauley will have plenty to think about and tinker with on Saturday when AFC Liverpool come to Rivacre Park, kick off 3pm.
The match will allow him to prepare his side to take on another high-profile friendly, against Stockport County next Wednesday (July 22).
The match was agreed as part of last summer’s transfer of Motors keeper Lloyd Rigby to County. It will be the second match in charge for boss Gary Ablett, the former Liverpool defender.
