BLACKBURN Rovers stretched their unbeaten Under-21 Premier League Division Two run to four matches with a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Monday night.

But Damien Johnson cut a frustrated figure after seeing his in-form side miss the chance to make it seven wins in their last nine games in all competitions.

Rovers, watched on by new first-team boss Paul Lambert, who was returning to the club he managed before making the move to Ewood Park, took a two-goal lead into the break thanks to quickfire strikes from Lewis Mansell and captain Scott Wharton.

But a more experienced Villa side, featuring £7m summer signing from Barcelona Adama Traore, and Czech Republic international striker Libor Kozak, battled back after the break to grab a point.

Rovers Under-21 lead coach Johnson said: “We’re left frustrated really after being 2-0 up.

“We were really pleased with them, especially at half-time, but obviously after losing two goals you do get disappointed despite loads of positive things.

“We played some really good stuff at times, young Charley Doyle in his first game really stood up and gave a great account of himself, so he can be proud.

“It is also great to see Scott Wharton chipping in with goals, we are a threat from set-pieces and centre-backs scoring goals is a good thing to have.

“It is just disappointing that we didn’t manage the game better in the second half and weather the pressure they were always going to have, but we’ll learn from that.

“We were probably the better team and deserved to win the game but you’ve got to see it out.

“Initially we are disappointed but when we look back over the game we’ll be pleased with lots of things.”

Rovers handed 17-year-old defender Doyle his first start for the under-21s and also included first-team trio David Raya, Darragh Lenihan and Sacha Petshi in their line-up.

And, on a wet and windy night at Villa Park, it was midfielder Petshi who threaded the ball through to Mansell to open the scoring in the 43rd minute.

It was the 18-year-old striker’s third of goal of the season for the under-21s and his 13th all competitions.

And, after Devarn Green saw a shot turned behind, one became two before the opening period was out.

Green’s resultant corner broke to Wharton and he did the rest.

The 18-year-old defender then produced a brilliant goal-line clearance before Villa reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute through Jerell Sellars.

Rovers responded strongly to seeing their advantage halved with Green and Sam Joel going close before Bradley Watkins produced a superb save to deny Wharton.

That proved to be a pivotal moment as three minutes from the end of normal time Kozak, who was signed for Villa by Lambert, headed in the equaliser.

Rovers return to action on Monday when they welcome Newcastle United to Leigh Sports Village (7pm).