IT wasn't a night to remember as a young Boro side were beaten at Ewood Park, from where NATHAN JUDAH reports.

Steve Agnew named a young side for the final game of the season and young sides always look for a good start, but that wasn't the case as drama unfolded in the second minute.

John Johnson appeared to bring down Alan Judge outside the penalty area, with referee Ruston first pointing for a free-kick before changing his mind and giving a penalty, much to annoyance of the Boro bench.

Judge took the kick which was brilliantly saved by Steele, but an assistant referee ordered a retake after ruling that Steele had moved off his line. Judge made no mistake with the retake.

Rovers were the more aggressive, with Martin Olsson and Josh O'Keefe looking dangerous, but Craddock almost brought the game level when his header from Porritt's corner was headed off the line.

Jonathan Franks and Rhys Williams also went close as Boro worked their way back into it in the latter stages of the first half.

The visitors had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, but Franks was adjudged to be offside.

Bothe sides started brightly after the break and the game took on an open feel. Franks and Porritt continued to have success down the flanks, while Steele was constantly in action at the other end.

The second goal was always going to be crucial and when Josh O'Keefe found space at the back post there was only one outcome as he headed Rovers into a two-goal lead with 62 minutes played.

Craddock then had two great chances to reduce the arrears. He first forced a save from Josh Brown and then somehow managed to head over the bar from a pin-point Stephen Thompson cross.

Boro were punished a minute later as they went further behind when Judge squared for substitute Jamie Clarke to tap home from close range.

Craddock hit the post shortly afterwards, but the goal of the night was again scored by Blackburn when Andrew Haworth collected Judge's pass on the edge of the penalty area to rifle home seven minutes from time.