Nick Haughton gave Town the lead in the 12th minute
Fleetwood Town’s development squad succumbed to a 3-1 defeat away at Blackburn Rovers in a friendly at Brockhall on Tuesday afternoon.First-teamers Declan McManus and David Ball started up-front for Barry Nicholson’s side away at their Lancashire neighbours.
Ball had a chance to give Town the advantage after just six minutes, however after turning inside the penalty area saw his lofted effort saved by the Rovers keeper.
Town would find their opening goal after 12 minutes, when Nick Haughton drilled a low free-kick from the edge of the box.
At the other end, Fleetwood’s trialist goalkeeper kept out two Rovers chances, as the hosts looked to go in search of an equalizing goal.
Rovers netted two quick-fire goals in the 17th and 23rd minute respectively to turn the game in their favour.
Fleetwood had chances to restore parity from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark, though Ball was unable to convert his spot-kick.
Ashley Hunter and Haughton both had chances before the interval, but couldn’t convert their openings.
On the hour mark, Fleetwood had a goal ruled out through Dec McManus, while three minutes later Lyle Della-Verde forced the goalkeeper into action with a smart stop.
Blackburn went close to adding a third, but shot just wide of the post as they looked to kill the game off.
Fleetwood had another goal ruled out with twenty minutes left courtesy of Ball’s acrobatic finish, but Rovers scored their third from close range soon after.