BLACKBURN Rovers' academy teams produced some magic by the Mersey to keep up their excellent form this season.

The Under 19s won 2-1 at Liverpool, where Gavin Peers hit a late winner after the home side had levelled Jemal Johnson's opening goal.

The win moved Blackburn to second in the FA Academy Premier Under 19 League, but still a long way off this Saturday's visitors to Brockhall, leaders Manchester City (11am).

Coach Rob Kelly said: "We won't catch City but it's a good game for us and a real marker to see how we're progressing.

"We've rarely had what we would term our strongest Under 19 team out this season so we've done well and Liverpool is always a difficult place to go.

"In the first half we played well, we created chances and were disappointed to only be 1-0 up.

'The second half was scrappy and we let one in but we finished the game stronger and fitter."

Across Merseyside, the Under 17s were strengthening their claim for a national knockout slot with a 1-0 win at Everton.

Joel Byrom scored the only goal for Ian Miller's side to gave them a boost in their attempt to finish in the top two.

Kelly said: "That was a big win because if we'd lost that game we would have been all but out."

The Under 17s are away to Crewe this Saturday (11am).