Jelavic shines for Everton

Published Jul. 27, 2013 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nikica Jelavic scored twice as Everton continued their preparations for the new season with a 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Kevin Mirallas' deflected strike put the Premier League club in front and Blackburn only had something to celebrate three minutes from time when Scott Dann netted a consolation.

Ross Barkley caught the eye with an impressive performance and set up the opening goal on 25 minutes with a neat piece of skill and blocked shot, which came back to Mirallas to fire home from 15 yards via a touch off Grant Hanley.

Roberto Martinez made seven substitutions at the break and Jelavic quickly made his mark in his first pre-season outing as he headed in a Steven Pienaar corner after 55 minutes.

The Croatian grabbed his second of the afternoon, and Everton's third, with 13 minutes remaining as he slammed in a shot with his left foot at the second attempt.

Blackburn had a decent spell at the end of the game and reduced their arrears when Dann headed home a Morten Gamst Pedersen corner three minutes from time.

Everton now head off on their tour of America and face Juventus in San Francisco on Wednesday.