IT was a case of never mind the quality take your chances for Blackburn Rovers' youngsters at Deepdale last night.

The Ewood kids have given far more accomplished performances in the two major knockout competitions this season than they did against neighbours Preston North End.

But they made the most of limited opportunities to claim a place in the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup and probably deserved it after a hard-fought clash.

James Beattie scored the all-important opening goal on the stroke of half time and Damien Duff wrapped it up with the second just five minutes from the end.

Yet Rovers were equally indebted to goalkeeper Anthony Williams who made two fine saves when the score was 1-0 and North End were battling bravely to get back into the game. Possession was given away too easily too often by the young Rovers whose strengths were on the flanks with wingers Duff and Damien Johnson, as well as in goal. Johnson was their best and most consistent performer, not only ensuring they kept the ball but also posing the biggest threat with his speedy and tricky runs.

Beattie struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area into the keeper's right-hand corner and, to be fair, that always looked as though it might be decisive.

Then Beattie refused to give up on a ball that a defender tried to shadow out of play, his cross was parried by the keeper and Duff, a skilful and pacey little winger, produced a spring-heeled leap to head home the goal that ensured their place in the final.

PNE: Lucas, Stewart, Mumberson, McKenna, Hayton, Sutton, Heys, Potts, Bingham, McCrone, Barnes. Subs: Calligan (for Heys 66 mins), Smith, Southworth (for Potts 52 mins), Cliff, Harrison.ROVERS: Williams, McCallion, Brewer, Chisholm, Worrell, Hope, Johnson, Staton, Beattie, Thomas, Duff. Subs: Owler, Stewart, Cassin ( for Thomas 65 mins), Taylor, McAvoy. REFEREE: D Allison (Lancaster).

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