An injury-hit side for Rovers’ U18s suffered defeat at the hands of Bradford City U18s.
Overall, it was a game of two halves, and Rovers really limited Bradford’s chances but their quality to be clinical in front of goal helped them claim three points.
Rovers did well to keep a technically good side in Bradford quiet. That was until the 21st minute when Bradford hit Rovers with a swift attack which all started from a throw-in.
Gary McSheffrey’s side had a big chance to level things up when Bobby Faulkner’s header from a brilliantly placed corner was saved by the visitors’ goalkeeper.
Minutes later and Rovers were close again after a misplaced pass from a Bantam's defender unlocked Jack Goodman whose shot was blocked from distance.
Five minutes before half-time Bradford scored directly from a corner to make it 2-0.
For the second-half, Rovers were by far the better side and were unfortunate not to get back on level terms with Jack Raper, Faulkner and Dan Wilds all have separate chances and making the opposition's keeper work.
On the hour mark, Bradford scored against the run of play making any form of a comeback difficult.
Heads did not drop for Rovers, however, with chances still coming for McSheffrey’s side. Eventually, Rovers got the goal they deserved after a great one-two between Goodman and Hollings finished with the latter finding the top right corner of the goal.
With five minutes left of the game, Goodman won Rovers a penalty. He would take the spot-kick, but the goalkeeper guessed the right way to keep the score at 3-1.