Blackburn beats Pune 3-0 in friendly in India

Published Oct. 7, 2011 6:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

Jason Roberts scored twice as English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers beat local team Pune FC 3-0 in a friendly on Friday.

The 33-year-old striker struck in the 40th and 76th minutes while Spaniard Ruben Rochina found the mark in the 54th. Pune looked set for a heavier loss but goalkeeper Shahnila Meloly pulled off some fine saves.

Blackburn, owned by poultry firm Venky's which is based in the western Indian city of Pune, is the first English Premier League club to play in India.

The match was due to be played on July 22 but it was postponed following three bomb blasts in Mumbai which killed 26 people on July 13.

Blackburn is struggling in the Premier League this season and lies second from bottom with four points from seven games.