BLACKBURN Rovers U21s made it back-to-back pre-season victories with a 1-0 win at neighbours AFC Darwen last night.

Substitute Dean Rittenberg, within two minutes of coming on, settled a closely fought clash watched by 354 spectators at the WEC Anchor Ground.

Rittenberg, a 60th-minute replacement for Jordan Preston, raced on to a threaded through pass from Paulo Jorge before firing into the corner.

Darwen battled hard for an equaliser.

But they were unable to convert the late opportunities that came their way with Bobby Langford poking a Matt McNamara cross wide before Matthew Allan headed on to the roof of the net.

Rovers U21s continue their preparations for the 2014-15 campaign with a trip to Scotland on Tuesday to take on Annan Athletic (7.30pm).