Rovers Youth 1 Everton Youth 1 (aet)

Rovers win 3-0 on pens

GOALKEEPER Gareth Stewart has often had to settle for being part of the supporting cast, as Rovers' young attacking stars have spearheaded their tremendous cup exploits this season,writes PETER WHITE.

But, at Ewood last night, he was thrust into the role of leading man, in the full glare of the spotlight -- and covered himself in glory.

These two sides couldn't be separated after a gruelling two hours, so it was down to a penalty shoot-out for the chance to meet holders Manchester United in the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup for professional clubs.

And Stewart made the difference.

After Everton's Richard Dunne had almost put the opening penalty in the family enclosure at the top of the Blackburn End, Stewart made magnificent saves from Adam Eaton and Michael Ball.

With Damien Johnson, James Thomas and Martin Taylor all converting their spot kicks with composure, there was no need to go the full distance and Rovers will face United in a repeat of last season's final.

It was far from being Rovers' best performance of the season. The simple truth is that, after their run to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup and the bitter disappointment of narrow defeat, they just ran out of steam.

Fatigue took over, dulling the senses and dragging on weary legs. But Rovers deserve a final appearance for their exploits this season and, hopefully refreshed, they might be able to avenge last season's 3-2 defeat by United.

Their purple patch came in the first half, once they had survived a bright opening by Everton.

Johnson and Damien Duff were the inspiration behind some superb moves but Thomas, for once, had an off night.

David Dunn, as always, was powering forward at regular intervals but the spark had gone after half time, despite Andy McAvoy striking a post.

Everton, after missing a couple of great chances, were ahead on 55 minutes.

Danny Cadamarteri followed up to fire home the rebound after Philip Jevons had hit a post.

Within two minutes, however, Rovers levelled from a well-rehearsed corner. Luke Staton's near-post cross was flicked on by Taylor and skipper Keith Brown headed past the keeper.

Thomas headed against the bar after 78 minutes and Brown was narrowly wide with a header but Everton had dominated possession in the second half and the game went into extra time.

Rovers could hardly raise a gallop, they looked out on their feet. But with Brown a cool, commanding skipper they hung in there for the shoot-out and Stewart did the rest.

ROVERS: Stewart, Trudgill, Taylor, Brown, Richardson, Dunn, Staton, Johnson, McAvoy, Thomas, Duff. Subs: Fitzpatrick (for Dunn 108 mins), Owler, Ryan, Featherstone, Scates.

EVERTON: O'Toole, Lane, Eaton, Ball, Dunne, Poppleton, Denton, West, Cadamarteri, Jevons, Milligan. Subs: Regan (for Cadamarteri 102 mins), Williams, Holmes, McDermott, Drew.

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