Blackburn Rovers secured a 2-0 pre-season win over Strasbourg but faced an injury concern when Matty Litherland was forced off. Aynsley Pears and Todd Cantwell starred, with Pears saving a penalty and Cantwell sealing the victory late on. Rovers finished 20th in the Championship last season with 52 points (13W-13D-20L), scoring 42 goals and conceding 56 (-14 goal difference).
What happened in the match?
Rovers took an early lead when a defensive mix-up gifted them a freak own goal just three minutes in. Harry Pickering went close twice before half-time, while Pears made a crucial penalty save after the break. Cantwell, the captain, wrapped up the win in the 84th minute with a composed finish from Ryan Alebiosu’s cross.
Who was missing for Blackburn Rovers?
Tony Mowbray’s side were without several players due to injuries. Mathias Jorgensen, Augustus Kargbo, and Connor O’Riordan missed the game, while Scott Wharton continues his recovery from a thigh strain. Litherland’s early exit added to the injury concerns ahead of the new Championship season.
What does this mean for pre-season?
The win marked a positive end to a productive week for Rovers, who used 22 players across the match. Most squad members have now played either 60 or 30 minutes in pre-season, giving Mowbray valuable insights ahead of the campaign. With the Championship season approaching, fitness and squad depth will be key for a team looking to improve on last season’s 20th-place finish, 43 points behind leaders Coventry.
