AS wonder goal by Gareth Rennie settled this friendly fixture as Blackburn and Darwen claimed an impressive scalp with victory against a previously unbeaten Bury side.
Rennie unleashed a 30 yard screamer midway through the first half that rifled past Luke Barlow in the Bury goal -- and then did his bit as Blackburn dug deep to defend their slender lead.
It was a goal Blackburn thoroughly deserved after starting the brighter of the two teams.
Rennie and Jonathan Leeming were a handful up front while Gary Hillman and Chris Lambert pulled the strings in the middle of the park.
Elliott Smith came close to opening the scoring when he fired just wide with an angled drive from the edge of the area before Rennie broke the deadlock. Latching on to a poor pass by Bury defender Sean Porter, Rennie looked up and fired home a shot that flew over Barlow.
Barlow then had to be alert moments later to palm away a curling free kick by in-form Rennie.
But Bury, with five wins out of five this season, hit back and forced Blackburn on the back foot.
Bury forced a series of corners and when Blackburn keeper Jonathan Walmsley dropped the ball, Adam Ellis hooked the ball over from close range.
Blackburn continued to push forward and Smith forced another good save out of Barlow before Matthew Garside raced clear to force Walmsley to tip the ball behind at his near post.
After the break, Bury bossed proceedings but Blackburn's back four stood firm.
Walmsley had to be alert to tip a hefty clearance from Aaron Beetson on top the bar but Ellis fired the lose ball across the goalmouth.
The big keeper then produced a great save to keep out a shot from Damien Quigley before Beetson was again guilty of missing another good chance.
While Blackburn were clinging on they did have a chance to double their lead when Smith again tested the keeper from range.
But in the end one goal was enough to seal the win -- and what a goal!
BLACKBURN AND DARWEN: Jonathan Walmsley, Oliver Lucas, Liam Reid, Kyle Bradley, Elliot Smith, Chris Lambert, Gary Hillman, Jonathan Leeming, Gareth Rennie, Danny Lomax, Drew Cardoo. Subs: Kieron Wood.
BURY: Luke Barlow, Aaron Beetson, Peter Hickford, Danny Anderson, Sean Porter, John Crolla, Adam Ellis, Jonathan Berry, Damien Quigley, Matthew Garside, Oliver Newton. Subs: Lee Bruce, Jonathan Waters, Sam Jones, Ross Speight.
LANCASHIRE UNDER 15S
TOWN TEAM FRIENDLY
Blackburn and Darwen...1 Bury Metro...0
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