BLACKBURN Rovers Academy’s perfect start to the New Year continued on Saturday as they made it back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

Fresh from winning 3-1 at home to Wolves, Brian Carey’s side beat Everton 1-0 at Finch Farm thanks to top-scorer Sam Joel’s 10th goal of the season.

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Rovers coach Carey said: “I think it was a deserved win. It was a good game.

“It was an even game but I felt that we just shaded it.

“Having some of the lads with Under-21s experience has made a difference, it was a good result in the end.”

Rovers struggled to get a foothold in the contest in the opening 20 minutes and goalkeeper Andrew Fisher was forced into a couple of saves which proved to be key.

But as the half wore the visitors came into the match with Luke Wall and Modou Cham causing problems on the flanks.

The opening period ended goalless, however, and once the action resumed it was Everton again who came faster out of the traps.

But it was Rovers who grabbed what proved to be the only goal of the game just past the hour mark.

The quick-thinking Fisher released the ball upfield for Joel who then fed Wall.

The winger crossed to the back post where Hyuga Tanner saw his header cannon back off the woodwork.

And there was Joel to take his tally for the term into double figures.

The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser and they would have got one had it not been for an outstanding late stop from the impressive Fisher.

Rovers continue their U18s Premier Division campaign on Saturday when they welcome Stoke City to Brockhall (11am).

The wait goes on for Blackburn Rovers Ladies, meanwhile.

Gemma Donnelly’s side have not played since November 30 because of the weather.

Their twice-rearranged FA Women’s Cup second-round tie with Liverpool Marshall Feds will now take place at the home of the Merseysiders on Sunday.