BLACKBURN Rovers reserves kicked off their pre-season preparations in fine style, running out comprehensive 5-1 victors over non-league Vauxhall Motors in their first friendly outing last night.

With the first team away in Italy for a pre-season training camp, Iain Brunskill's charges seized the opportunity to impress, comfortably brushing aside their hosts from the Blue Square North with a slick performance.

The Motormen offered stubborn resistance in the first half, but Rovers still went into half-time leading 1-0, thanks to a goal from Julio Santa Cruz.

After the break, however, the visitors stepped up a gear as Jason Lowe, Marcus Marshall, Josh Morris, who scored from the penalty spot, and Andy Haworth all added their names to the scoresheet.

Karl Noon, who was the Motormen's leading scorer last season, grabbed a late consolation goal for the home side.

But, overall, Rovers' young charges can be pleased with their evening's work.

The reserves' next friendly game is against Southport at Haig Avenue this Saturday (kick off 3pm).

ROVERS: Fielding (sub Kean 46 mins); O'Connor (sub Parry 59 mins), Jones, Flynn, Hall (sub Hanley 59 mins); Haworth, Morrissey, Lowe, Marshall (sub Bowen 63 mins); Santa Cruz (sub Potts 71 mins), Rigters (sub Morris 59 mins).