BILLY Barr was pleased to see Blackburn Rovers Under-18s record their first win of their elite play-offs section with a 2-1 weekend victory at West Ham.

Bradley Lynch and Callum Wright were on target for Rovers who were also grateful to a first half penalty save from goalkeeper Ben Ascroft to preserve their lead.

Having suffered defeat to Liverpool in their opening match, Rovers bounced back to move third in the table.

“It was a hard-fought win,” said Barr. “Both sets of coaches would probably say it was far too open at times. We were sloppy in possession, but I’m pleased for the lads to get the win after the long journey the day before.

“We were also able to bring on two Under-16s, so that was pleasing, we hope to bring more through before now and the end of the season.

“We now go onto Reading this weekend knowing it will be another difficult match.”

Rovers started well, and took the lead inside 90 seconds as Lynch broke the offside trap before calmly finding the back of the net.

West Ham missed a great chance to equalise 10 minutes later though as Charley Doyle felled Jahmal Hector-Ingram in the box, only for the striker to see his penalty excellently saved by Ascroft diving away to his right.

Rovers went in search of a second, with both Lynch and Tre Pemberton denied by Forde before the half-time whistle.

Ten minutes after the re-start West Ham did equalise as Conor Coventry and Hector-Ingram linked up well giving the striker the chance to fire past Ascroft to make it 1-1.

They were level for just 13 minutes however, as Wright scored Rovers’ winner midway through the second half. The midfielder rode a couple of tackles during a solo break and unleashed a shot from the edge of the box which found the back of the net for his third of the campaign.

West Ham ended the game 10 men after Ben Johnson was sent off for a second yellow card and Rovers were able to close out the victory.

Barr’s side return to action on Saturday when they host Reading (2pm).

Rovers: Ascroft, Jackson, Thompson, C Doyle, Blackburn (Barnes, 75), Carter, Pemberton, Paton (Chan, 74), Lynch, Buckley, Wright