Blackburn Rovers Reserves 2 Aston Villa Reserves 2: An early injury to Aaron Mokoena added to a frustrating night for Blackburn Rovers reserves as they let a 2-0 lead slip through their grasp.

South African Mokoena lasted just five minutes before limping off with a suspected knee injury after a 50-50 challenge with Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Nevertheless, Glyn Hodges' reserves side went on to impress with some neat attacking play between front men Matt Derbyshire and Jemal Johnson, who scored either side of half-time respectively.

But it was the visitors who had the better of the chances in the early stages and Agbonlahor and Shane Paul both went close to firing Villa in front.

Rovers responded and a fierce Gary Harkins drive and Johnson curling free kick provided stern tests for goalkeeper Stuart Taylor before Rovers took the lead three minutes before the break.

Ralph Welch set up a chance for Johnson with an intelligent pass, his effort was saved but Derbyshire slotted in the rebound.

Johnson added a spectacular second from 25 yards four minutes into the second half and Rovers looked on course to win.

But Agbonlahor pulled a goal back on the hour after Craig Barr got caught in possession.

Rovers had further chances to re-establish a two-goal cushion, with Johnson hitting the post.

But in extended stoppage time, Chris Herd knocked in a Peter Whittingham delivery at the far post for a late equaliser.

ROVERS: Lee, Kane, Matteo, Stopforth, Jones, Mokoena ( Barr 9 mins), Welch, Harkins (King 87 mins), Johnson, Derbyshire, Watt (Haworth 64 mins). Subs not used: Somodi, Ahmed.