Ince starts with Rovers win

Rovers chief enjoys Macc return, but sale talk hovers in air

Last updated: 14th July 2008

Paul Ince Blackburn presser

Ince: Winning start

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Paul Ince started his reign as Blackburn boss with a win over former club Macclesfield, on a night when David Bentley's absence fuelled further talk of an exit.

The official line on Bentley was that a calf injury prohibited his involvement, but speculation had suggested a £17million move to Tottenham will be completed in the next few days. However, at the game's conclusion, Ince confirmed Aston Villa had also lodged a bid for the England wide man.

At Moss Rose, Ince was afforded a generous reception as goals from David Dunn and substitute Paul Gallagher proved enough against the League Two side.

This could prove to be Brad Friedel's last outing for the Ewood Park club, too. He appears to be on his way out but still got a hero's reception from the 500-strong travelling support who would be sad to see the 37 year-old's exit.

Friedel found himself under pressure early on, making hard work of stopping long-range free-kicks from Terry Dunfield and Sean Hessey.

The American pointedly turned and applauded those fans before departing at half-time.

Rovers had slowly taken control. Christopher Samba saw a low header sail just wide and Benni McCarthy hit a post before Dunn worked his way through to fire in a clever goal three minutes from the break.

Rovers sent out a totally different 11 in the second period and were two ahead inside a minute when Gallagher header home a Tony Kane cross.

Macclesfield, who eventually avoided the drop last season under new boss Keith Alexander, pulled one back soon after when Martin Gritton side-footed home a Francis Green cross.

The appearance of Wayne Rooney's brother, John - who has just been given a two-year contract at Macclesfield - almost produced an equaliser with a late shot on the turn.