Blackburn Rovers eased to their second win of the season with a 3-1 win over Championship newbies Watford who are still waiting for their first success of the campaign.

Blackburn had been recently criticised by their manager Gemma Donnelly for starting slowly and only showing their form after the break. But a two goal lead after the opening 45 minutes showed they had taken the criticism on board.

A lively opening from both teams quickly settled into Rovers looking the more likely to score although Watford did look dangerous on the break without really troubling the home keeper.

The hosts breakthrough came on 26 minutes and it was no surprise it was from a set piece which had troubled the visitor's defence from the start. Moments earlier Rovers skipper Saffron Jordan's effort had been scrambled behind by keeper Georgie Ferguson.

From the resulting corner Watford failed to clear and central defender Jade Richards drove home the opener. Watford looked rattled and it was no surprise when Rovers doubled their advantage on 38 minutes. The ball broke to Natasha Fenton who smashed the ball from distance into the roof of the net.

Watford pressed after the break trying to get back into the game but rarely troubled the Rovers defence, a Rosie Kmita header being the nearest they came to reducing the deficit.

Rovers made the game safe with ten minutes remaining as Annabel Blanchard fired a free kick low into goal from 20 yards.

Watford did gain a consolation in the final minute when Adekite

Fatigue-Dada's free kick from out wide eluded everyone before hitting the post and crossing the line.

Full Time

Blackburn: 3 (Richards 26, Fenton 38, Blanchard 80)

Watford: 1 (Fatuga-Dada 88)

Att: 217

Venue: Sir Tom Finney Stadium, Bamber Bridge, Preston