Rovers Res 3 Sheff Wed Res 1

A GOOD blend of youth and experience carried Rovers to another Pontin's League Premier Division win in a competitive game at Deepdale last night. It was particularly pleasing to see youngsters such as Damien Duff, James Thomas and Marlon Broomes, who showed tremendous power in the air, give a good account of themselves against a strong team.

Though the contribution of established professionals like Nicky Marker, Matty Holmes and Stuart Ripley was also important.

Rovers went 2-0 up in the first half, Marker heading them in front on 16 minutes after the Wednesday keeper flapped at a Lars Bohinen cross. Niklas Gudmundsson (42 mins) nodded in the second when Ripley headed back a cross from Duff who had combined with Gary Croft.

Brian Linighan (52 mins) headed Wednesday back into the game and Shay Given had to make some fine saves, notably from Guy Whittingham.

But subs Wayne Gill and James Thomas combined for teenager Thomas (84 mins) to strike a sweet third goal.

ROVERS: Given, Reed, Marker, Broomes, Croft, Ripley, Holmes (sub Gill), Bohinen, Duff, Fenton (sub Thomas), Gudmundsson.

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