Soccer: Rovers beat All Whites 5-0

The All Whites experienced the strength of the English soccer premiership today when they were beaten 5-0 by Blackburn Rovers.

New signings Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts scored two goals each, while Steven Reid got the other at Ewood Park.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes put out his strongest available line-up in what was his club's final hit-out before the start of the Premier League season next weekend.

He was rewarded with a busy display from his players, with plenty of movement and sharp inter-passing.

New Zealand, already seriously under-manned through player unavailability for their three-match European tour against club opposition, had defender Tony Lochhead pull out late with a stomach virus.

The All Whites did force Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel in to some useful saves, but overall they failed to reproduce the level of performance shown in their 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic last weekend.

McCarthy opened the scoring after 15 minutes, and Reid's fine strike made it 2-0 in the 28th minute.

McCarthy grabbed his second after halftime, before Roberts got his brace with goals in the 65th minute and in stoppage time.

The All Whites' tour ends with a fixture against Uefa Cup champions Sevilla on Wednesday morning (NZ time).

- NZPA