Rovers’ U18s side ramped up the pressure on current division leaders Grimsby Town with a 2-0 win against a tough Bradford City.
Two changes were made to the team that beat Lincoln City last weekend with Max Jemson and trialist Jack Stainrod earning a call up to the side to replace Martijn Smith and Myron Gibbons
Stainrod was denied in the early minutes when Jeremie Milambo lunged in on the forward to stunt the advancement he was making on Alfie Darke’s goal.
Down the opposite end of the pitch Dec Ogley got across his line swiftly to save a powerful free-kick taken by Bradford from around 30-yards out.
Rovers then attacked down the right wing through Elliott Walker who delivered the perfect cross into the box. It met the head of Jack Watson who thumped the ball against the crossbar.
Darke juggled with the ball at his feet while under pressure from the Rovers attack and he ended up having to concede a corner.
Rovers scored from this as Stainrod was on hand to guide the ball into the back of the net, making a dream debut.
Will McGowan had to be withdrawn at the break due to making a superbly-timed tackle but was unfortunate to pull a muscle. Liam Ravenhill came on his place.
Ben Blythe had a strong game at left back and he almost claimed an assist when his threatening cross into the box skimmed the heads of every Rovers shirt who were chomping at the bit.
Chance after chance kept coming Rovers’ way and they eventually doubled their advantage against the Bantams through Jack Watson.
Yet again it was another well-executed corner which earnt the goal as there was a scramble in the box before Watson could drag the ball into the net.
The game finished with Myron Gibbons nearly bagging a goal from the bench as his attempted header went straight at Alfie Darke.
The result leaves Rovers three points clear in second and two points behind Grimsby – who drew today – and Rovers also have a game in hand over the Mariners.
Rovers’ next test is a top-of-the-table showdown against Grimsby themselves at Cheapside Training Ground next Saturday.