Northwich 1 Blackburn XI 2

Robinson - made his debut for Blackburn.

Paul Robinson got his first run-out in a Blackburn shirt as Northwich Victoria were beaten 2-1 by Rovers' reserves at the Marston's Arena.

Robinson became Paul Ince's first signing since taking the Ewood Park reins when he made the move from Tottenham last week, and the England goalkeeper was handed his first start against non-league Northwich.

The Blue Square Premier side actually took the lead through Joel Byrom in the 31st minute but a Paul Gallagher strike on 50 and an own goal from Matt Bailey nine minutes later gave Rovers' second string the win.

Robbie Fowler partnered Benni McCarthy in attack, with Zurab Khizanishvili, Matt Derbyshire and Gallagher the other first-team stars on show.