JEMAL Johnson scored twice as Rovers routed Liverpool's reserve team 3-0 at the Racecourse Ground last night.

The American striker scored in each half, with Sergio Peter also grabbing a goal in a comprehensive victory.

Rovers, with Vratislav Gresko and David Thompson both coming through 90 minutes, took the lead in the 27th minute when Johnson unleashed a 30-yard drive that flew past Jerzy Dudek and in off the post.

A rampant Johnson was then denied by the angle of crossbar and post after another typically mazy run.

However, Rovers were not to be denied and after the break Dudek saved Johnson's shot, only for Peter to roll the ball into the empty net.

Liverpool had the Polish keeper to thank for keeping the scoreline down before the third arrived seven minutes from time, Johnson this time twisting and turning before firing past Dudek from 15 yards for his sixth goal of the season.

Johnson went in search of an elusive hat-trick goal, but was twice denied by the Liverpool goalkeeper while opposite number Steven Drench had just one save to make all night.

Rovers: Drench, Kane, Gresko, Stopforth, Nolan, Taylor, Welch, Thompson, Johnson, Harkins, Peter. Subs: Byrom, Fielding, Garner, Barr, Barker.