Blackburn Rovers beat Pune FC 3-0 in exhibition match

Pune: A nine-man Pune FC were handed a 3-0 defeat by visitors Blackburn Rovers in a rain-drenched exhibition match here this evening. Jason Roberts scored a brace at the 40th and 76th minutes respectively, while Japanese striker Ruben Rochina (54th) struck the remaining one in a night of misery for the local team at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here. Pune FC initially showed some spirit but they soon began to trail behind after their defender Anas Edathodika was given marching orders after being double booked at the 20th minute. [caption id=“attachment_102139” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Blackburn Rovers French midfielder Steven Nzonzi (C) battles for the ball with Pune defenders during the game between Blackburn Rovers and Pune FC played at The Balewadi Stadium in Pune on October 7, 2011. Blackburn won 3-0. AFP”]  [/caption] Pune FC did well to restrict the English Premier League club side to a 1-0 lead at the half time but they completely lost the plot in the second half as the vsisitors went on an attacking spree and scored twice. The hosts should thank goalkeeper Shahnila meloly who made numourous brilliant saves to prevent what could have been otherwise an even more embarrassing defeat for Pune. PTI