Rovers U18s got back to winning ways in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday with a 2-1 victory away at Scunthorpe United.
Goals from Junior Smith and Jack Watson ensured Rovers came from behind to defeat the Iron after falling behind to a Cameron Wilson thunderbolt.
The home side took the lead on the half-hour mark following a dominant opening to the match which saw Kian Johnson kept busy in the Rovers net.
Johnson had to be alert to gather an effort from Jessop who was pressured well by Elliot Walker. He then made a good save from Shrimpton, and used his feet to prevent another Jessop effort from sneaking in the bottom right corner.
The Rovers keeper was unable to do anything about the goal when it came. A well-worked free kick by the Iron saw Joes Dawson lay the ball off to Wilson whose powerful drive was unstoppable.
Rovers U18s showed great resilience and Smith had levelled the scoring within two minutes. He was played through by Watson and smashed a low effort beyond the Iron keeper.
Nathan Dimou made a fantastic challenge shortly after to keep Rovers level and the side were able to see out the pressure until half-time.
The second half saw a marked change in momentum with Rovers flying out of the traps. They began to dominate possession in midfield and play the ball around in the way that has become routine for Rovers sides throughout the age groups.
An injury to Will McGowan meant a long break in play and the midfielder was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Thankfully, the injury was not as bad as first feared and the young midfielder is expected to be back in training on Tuesday.
Despite the break in play and the disruption to the Rovers team, the visitors continued to dominate but without creating any clear cut chances.
The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Smith was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge from the Irons defender – Watson showed composure from the spot to fire his side into the lead.
Once ahead, Rovers were able to control the game. Smith very nearly got a third as he attacked down the right and cut inside – his shot was blocked wide. Rovers then rattled the crossbar with a free-kick.
As the match wore on, Scunthorpe pushed hard for an equaliser, but some brave defending from Nathan Dimou and good defensive organisation - led by captain Ben Blythe – ensured that Rovers were able to see out the pressure and take the three points.