Dwight Gayle hat-trick downs Blackburn Rovers

Dwight Gayle scored a first-half hat-trick to see Peterborough United overcome Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Ewood Park this afternoon.

The 22-year-old grabbed his first of the afternoon in the 11th minute after twice being denied by Jake Kean, only to score at the third time of asking.

Rovers could have hit back immediately through DJ Campbell, but Robert Olejnik was alert to keep his effort out.

Gayle headed in his second goal just two minutes later, before a tap-in saw him complete a treble in the 27th minute.

Michael Appleton made three changes at half time, as Grant Hanley, David Jones and Cameron Stewart came on for Bradley Orr, Danny Murphy and David Bentley.

The home side got on the scoresheet in the 63rd minute through Jordan Rhodes, who raced onto Campbell's through-ball before slotting past Olejnik.

David Jones pulled another one back late on, but there was to be no miraculous comeback as Posh claimed all three points.