BLACKBURN Rovers Ladies are through to the final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Trophy for the 12th season in a row after winning their replayed last-four clash with Preston North End in exactly the same manner that they won the first.

Rovers thought they had set-up a showpiece showdown with Morecambe when they beat Preston on penalties in a snow-hit tie at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy last month.

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But the result was erased from the record books when both teams were found to have fielded an ineligible player in the game.

The semi-final was replayed on Wednesday at AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground and, after it again ended 0-0 Rovers once more triumphed 3-2 on spot-kicks.

Nicky Twohig and Jess Holbrook found the net which enabled Lynda Shepherd, as she did in the initial match, to score the decisive penalty for Gemma Donnelly’s side, who gained revenge for losing last year’s final to Preston.