Match Report

Annan Athletic were back in action following their Petrofac Training Cup defeat at the hands of Hearts and they found the Blackburn second string in top form and too hot to handle on Tuesday evening.

The visitors went ahead in the 10th minute when San Lavelle was quick to repond after Keeper Gary Black pulled off a good save from Lavelle’s initial shot. Annan’s Steven Logan’s 20th minute shot pulled off a good save from keeper Jake Kean. The Rovers doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Connor Mahoney ended an impressive run along the bye line with a shot which somehow beat keeper Craig Murray at the near post. Dean Rittenberg completed the first half scoring in the 39th minute with a shot from just inside the box and into the roof of the net.

Annan boss Jim Chapman introduced youngsters MacAnespie, Liddell and Wood for Anderson , Flynn and Logan at half time . Rovers continued to impress in the second half with the midfield trio of Hyuga Tanner, Bradley Bauress and trialist Sean McIntosh dictating play. A fourth goal soon followed as Rittenberg converted from the spot after the impressive Mahoney had been brought down. Annan youngsters Brown, Gillan and Johnstone were introduced in the 70th minutes at the expense of Brannan, Bradley and Carcary.

The Luke Wall completed Annan’s misery in the 85th minute with a well struck shot after some indecision in the Annan defence.

Annan Athletic – G Black (C Murray 11 min), K Brannan (J Brown 70 min), P Bradley ( J Gillan 70 min), G Anderson (M MacAnespie ht), P Watson, M Flynn ( C Liddell ht), S Sloan, S Logan (D Wood ht), S Davidson, Z Caldwell, D Carcary( J Johnstone 70 min).

Blackburn Rovers – J Kean, D Carson, J Doyle, H Tanner, S Lavelle, K Daly, L Wall, S McIntosh, D Rittenberg, B Bauress, C Mahoney. Subs P Jorge, M Cham, R Crumo.