Blackburn 4 AFC Telford 0!

Blackburn Rovers start to the 2014/2015 Football Championship promotion campaign began in smooth fashion, a convincing 4-0 friendly victory against AFC Telford. Ruben Rochina, Leon Best and Jack O’Connell all found the net in the second half, with transfer listed play maker Rochina earning a brace.

Gary Bowyer decided to field to separate teams in either half.

Blackburn Rovers 1st half team: Eastwood, Marshall, O’Connor, Taylor, Hanley, Kilgallon, King, Cairney, Gestede, Conway, Rhodes.

Blackburn Rovers 2nd half team: Kean, Green, Henley, Songo’o, O’Connell, Lenihan, Rochina, O’Sullivan, Williamson, Varney, Best

In a sloppy first half performance, it was the home team from the Conference division, AFC Telford who had the better of the opportunities, Andy Owens denied a chance at goal by 21 year old debutant, Anthony O’Connor. As for Rovers, our best opportunities came through a Cairney Volley and Joshua King snap shot, both failing to trouble the scorers.

A worrying moment occurred mid way through the half, as one of the assistant referees collapsed during play. Medics rushed out to the official, who was cleared of any serious medical condition.

Gary Bowyer’s second half outfit turned up the heat, with Leon Best and Ruben Rochina obviously men out on a mission. John O’Sullivan danced his way through the centre of the field, before teeing up Leon Best, a ferocious strike from the 18 yard box. Minutes later, Best turned provider, chasing a long ball before cutting across for Rochina, striking low into the far corner of the net.

Best once again was on hand to deliver, splitting the Telford defence for Rochina to find the inside roof of the net. Blackburn completed the rout with 15 to go, a long ball by Adam Henley flicked on by Luke Varney, with Jack O’Connell steering his header into the net.

4-0 Blackburn, a positive way to start of the campaign!