Young Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones scored his first senior goal as Blackburn were beaten by Greek side AEK Athens in Sydney.

Rovers started slowly and found themselves two goals down at the end of the first half thanks to two AEK goals in the space of three minutes.

However, an improved second half performance saw Rovers get a goal back with just ten minutes remaining, thanks to a header from the 18 year-old defender, however the Lancashire side were unable to force a late equaliser.

Rovers were sloppy in the first half against the Greek side, who finished fourth in the Greek Super League last season, and found themselves behind after 21 minutes.

Australian midfielder Nathan Burns broke from midfield and evaded a challenge from Jones before finding Scocco who drilled a shot past Robinson and into the back of the Rovers net.

Three minute later and the lead was doubled.

A sweeping cross from Brazilian wide-man Leonardo found Greek international striker Nikos Liberopoulos who fired past a helpless Robinson.

Things went from bad to worse for Rovers before half-time as French defender Gael Givet limped off, to be replaced by Pascal Chimbonda.

The second half didn't start well for Rovers either as AEK should have extended their lead, through the lively Burns.

A wonderful through ball broke the Rovers offside trap allowing Burns to scamper through on goal. However, Paul Robinson was on hand to deny Burns as he slid out to claim the ball off the midfielders toe.

Minutes later and AEK carved through the Rovers backline once more and Liberopoulos should have scored his second, but somehow sidefooted wide from just 12 yards.

With 81 minutes Rovers pulled a goal back as Phil Jones headed home a wonderful cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen, a second half substitute.

Then as the game headed towards its conclusion Rovers almost secured a draw that their performance scarcely deserved.

A good move down the right hand side saw Lars Jacobsen cross, but young defender Grant Hanley could only head past the post.

Rovers final match in Sydney takes place on Saturday as they take on Sydney FC