BLACKBURN Rovers’ hopes of making it back-to-back victories to start the U21s Premier League Division Two season were dashed by an injury-time equaliser as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa tonight.

Rovers opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Modou Cham, who was also on target in the 2-0 triumph at Brighton & Hove Albion, before Dean Rittenberg hit the post and Jordan Preston had a volley cleared off the line.

But, in an entertaining clash at a wet and windy Leigh Sports Village, Villa – managed by former Rovers midfielder Gordon Cowans – also had their chances with Calum Robinson denied on several occasions before Jordan Graham smashed home in the 93rd minute.

Rovers: Raya, Daly, Doyle, O’Sullivan, Songo’o, O'Connell, Rittenberg (Joel 71), Lenihan, Preston, Bauress, Cham (Carson 80). Subs not used: Crump, Lavelle, Jorge.