DAVID Thompson scored on his return to action last night as Blackburn Rovers reserves beat Leeds United at Christie Park.

The popular midfielder marked his first competitive run-out since August with a well-taken first half strike.

And there was further good news for first team boss Mark Hughes as Andy Todd and Steven Reid also hit the comeback trail by making their first appearances of the season.

Thompson played for an hour before he was replaced by Ciaran Donnelly and although he still looked some way short of full match fitness, the goal and the chance to get some competitive action under his belt will have acted as a timely confidence boost.

Todd and Reid, meanwhile, took a big step towards a possible first team return by coming through the full 90 minutes unscathed.

Rovers' superior quality shone through from the opening whistle and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 21st minute.

Javier De Pedro cushioned a neat lay-off into the path of Thompson on the edge of the area and the former Liverpool player swivelled to bury a first-time shot past United goalkeeper William Coyles with his left foot.

De Pedro was involved again when Rovers grabbed their second seven minutes later.

The Spaniard pulled a corner back to Reid, who was lurking 20 yards out, and the Republic of Ireland international's cross-shot was turned in sharply by the alert Jemal Johnson.

In a rare United foray, David Yelldell had to dash out of his goal to deny Aaron Lennon, then Kevin Smith shot disappointingly wide for the visitors.

But the chances kept flowing for Rovers as Thompson had another effort saved and Alex Bruce missed the target with a free header.

United finally grabbed a lifeline a minute before the break, Jamie Winter turning in a low cross from Hassan Kachloul at the far post.

But a second half revival never materialised and the closest either side came to scoring was a shot from Reid that Coyles tipped over.

ROVERS: Yelldell, Peers, McEveley, Douglas, Todd, Bruce, Reid, Thompson, Gallagher, Johnson, De Pedro. Subs: Donnelly (for Thompson, 60), Morgan (for De Pedro, 75) Not used: Welch, Derbyshire, Drench

LEEDS: Coyles, McKeown, Parker, Winter, Walton, Constable, Rothery, Morris, Smith, Lennon, Kachloul. Subs: Edwards (for Walton, 46), Bowler (for Morris, 74,) Leister (for Rothery, 82) Not used: McDaid, Wilberforce

Att: 415