Reds Move Four Points Clear

FA Premier Reserve League
Blackburn Rovers 2
Manchester United 4
Christie Park, Morecambe

United extended their lead at the top of the FA Premier Reserve League with
a battling win over Blackburn Rovers in Morecambe.

A brace from Giuseppe Rossi, followed by strikes from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and
Jonny Evans, gave Rene Meulensteen's side the three points as they overcame
high winds and the second-half dismissal of Kieran Lee at Christie Park.

They also had to come from a goal behind. Last week American keeper Tim Howard
fell foul of the weather against Wigan, but this time it was Luke Steele's
turn to be left red-faced by a freak goal.

Blackburn right-back Tommy Kane crossed high into the United box, only for the
ball to be blown over the advancing Steele and over the goal-line.

Within 90 seconds United were level. Danny Simpson worked well down the right,
and his inch-perfect cross gave Rossi the simplest of tap-ins on the edge of
the six yard box.

While the Italian's first goal was simple, his second was far more spectacular.

Markus Neumayr advanced down the right before pulling the ball back across the
edge of the area. From facing away from goal, Rossi let the ball run across his
body before suddenly swivelling 180 degrees and lashing it first-time into the
roof of the net.

The diminutive forward has scored some magnificent goals in his one and a half
seasons in the Reserves, but few have been any better.

United extended their lead further before half-time, and it owed much to a rush
of blood by Rovers keeper Richard Lee.

There was no danger as Ebanks-Blake chased a long ball down the right but Lee
inexplicably raced from his area, only to be bypassed with ease by the striker.

From a tight angle and outside the box, Blake superbly curled the ball into the
unguarded net with impressive ease.

The Reds' two-goal lead was halved early in the second half by a superb strike
from Sergio Peter. The Frenchman sent the ball hurtling beyond Steele from over
25 yards with a fine low drive.

While Rovers pressed and the rain began to fall, United held firm and
reaffirmed their two-goal lead through Irish defender Evans.

Neumayr's corner from the right dipped wickedly, and Evans bravely hurled
himself to head home at the far post.

Despite being reduced to 10 men as Lee was dismissed for two bookings,
Meulensteen's side held firm to move four points clear of Aston Villa
at the top of the table.

United: Steele, Simpson, K Lee, Evans, Bardsley, Fox, Neumayr, Gibson,
        Ebanks-Blake, Rossi, Martin.

Substitutes: Cooper, T Lee, Shawcross, Gray, Marsh.