Rovers begin Euro campaign with win
Hughes has insisted striker McCarthy is staying at Rovers
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Sunday, 22, Jul 2007 07:59
Blackburn kicked off their season with a 2-0 win over FK Vetra in the first-leg of their Intertoto Cup tie.
Goals from Benni McCarthy and Matt Derbyshire helped Rovers to victory against the Lithuanian side.
The home side had the best chance early on when David Bentley lost possession and Marius Stankevicius headed Severino's cross wide.
Rovers, who have played just two pre-season friendlies, continued to look rusty in the first half.
Andre Ooijer's poor backward header led to Severino flicking the ball agonisingly wide past the stranded Brad Friedel.
Rovers were reduced to half-chances with Christopher Samba and Jason Roberts both sending headers wide.
On the half-hour mark, Rovers struck when Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross from the right side was volleyed in from six yards by McCarthy.
Vetra should have equalised three minutes later when Bobi Bozinovski was through on goal but fired his shot wide.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes brought on Derbyshire and new signing Maceo Rigters on to liven up a dull second half.
The visitors clinched victory on 80 minutes when Derbyshire drilled a pinpoint shot from 25 yards after some comic goalkeeping from Vaidas Zutautas.
The second leg against Vetra is next Saturday at Ewood Park as Rovers bid to reach the first round proper of the Uefa Cup.