Leeds Res 0 Blackburn Res 1: Keith Barker grabbed the winner as a youthful Rovers reserve side gained a hard-earned win across the Pennines last night.

Barker struck inside the opening 10 minutes and Glyn Hodges' team then showed great character to protect their lead after that.

Torrential rain in the build-up to this game meant the pitch was only just passed fit and both sides struggled to master the quagmire conditions.

However, it was Rovers who struck the decisive blow after just 10 minutes following a smart bit of work by the ever alert Barker.

Leeds keeper Mark Wilberforce reacted sharply to parry a powerful drive from Joe Garner, but Barker was on hand to steer home the rebound from close range.

Only a last-ditch tackle from Sam Hird then denied Barker a second goal several minutes later.

At the opposite end, Richard Lee pulled off two fine saves in quick succession to deny United an equaliser.

Then Vratty Gresko, who was stepping up his comeback after injury, went close with a header that bounced just off target.

Lee excelled himself in the second half with another smart stop to deny Kevin Smith after the Leeds player had worked an opening for himself in the area.

And that proved decisive as Rovers then shut up shop and ensured all the points headed back to Lancashire.

Rovers: Lee, Kane, Gresko, Stopforth (Hodge 69), Nolan, Naylor, Welch, Harkins, Barker, Garner, Peter (Byrom 69). Subs not used: Barr, Fielding, De Vita.