BLACKBURN Rovers kicked off a run of three under 18 Premier League home games with an impressive 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday.

Scott Wharton and Stuart Callaway notched their first goals at under 18 level before Remirez Howarth netted for the second match running as David Lowe’s young side made a welcome return to winning ways.

Rovers coach Lowe said: “It was a very pleasing performance. We were workmanlike and played with commitment and enthusiasm.

“Hopefully this result will stand them in good stead for the remaining games this season and into next season’s campaign.”

Rovers, who had gone down 4-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday, opened the scoring in the 36th minute as Wharton fired home after Lewis Mansell headed a Jack Doyle corner on to the woodwork.

The advantage was doubled four minutes later as Yeray Torres slipped Callaway through to evade the Black Cats goalkeeper and roll the ball into the empty.

Sunderland reduced the deficit just over a minute later when Jordan Blinco cut inside and steered a shot into the bottom corner.

But Howarth, having scored his side’s consolation against Villa, settled the contest 15 minutes from time.

Rovers host Reading at Brockhall on Saturday (11am).