PAUL Ince's reign as manager of Blackburn Rovers got off to a winning start as the Premiership outfit defeated Macclesfield Town 2-1 in a pre-season friendly.

Goals from David Dunn and Paul Gallagher either side of half time were enough to give Ince the perfect start.

Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground was where Ince's managerial career began, less than two years ago.

He started with his strongest available XI, with the exception of the injured David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz, Andre Ooijer, Brett Emerton and Aaron Mokoena, still on leave after their international exploits.

TESTED

Matt Derbyshire had Blackburn's first attempt on goal before League Two side Macclesfield tested Brad Friedel twice in the space of three minutes.

Rovers then took control.

Christopher Samba saw a low header sail just wide and Benni McCarthy hit a post, before Dunn worked his way through to rifle in three minutes before the break.

Blackburn sent out a totally different XI for the second period and were two ahead inside a minute when Gallagher headed home a Tony Kane cross.

But the home side pulled a goal back just three minutes later when Martin Gritton converted Francis Green's cross.

And they very nearly salvaged a draw when John Rooney - Wayne's younger brother - came close with a shot on the turn late on.

After the match, Ince declared his satisfaction with the result.

'It is early days,' said Ince. 'It was good to dust off the cobwebs and to get back on the pitch.'

'We'll get fitter, faster and stronger and will be ready for 16 Aug (when the English Premiership begins).'

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