A LATE Jordan Rhodes penalty robbed Bury of a deserved clean sheet and victory in their first home match of the pre-season campaign.

Danny Nardiello nodded the Shakers in front in the 71st minute, converting a Chris Hussey free-kick at the near post for his fifth goal in three matches.

But 10-man Blackburn, who had Lee Williamson sent off on the stroke of half-time for a wild challenge on Ryan Lowe, came back to equalise five minutes from time after Tom Soares bundled over Tom Cairney in the box.

Both sides had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, with Josh King’s deflected shot beating Bury stopper Shwan Jalal and Lowe slotting home a flashing cross from Nardiello.

Williamson then scythed down Lowe from behind and was given his marching orders by referee Darren Handley, who also sent Rovers boss Gary Bowyer to the stands for his reaction to the decision.

BURY: Jalal; Jones, Mills, McNulty, Hussey (O’Brien 74); Adams, Sedgwick (Etuhu 45), Soares, Mayor (A Trialist 83), Nardiello (Thompson 76), Lowe.

Subs: Lainton, Cameron.

BLACKBURN: Robinson, Lowe, Spurr (Jorge 66), Williamson, Hanley, O’Connell, King (Cham 86), Cairney, Conway, Evans (O’Connor 45), Rhodes (Preston 86).

Subs: Reya.

Referee: Darren Handley.

Attendance: 1,711 (662 visiting).