Rovers' U18s EFL Cup future takes a hit with a second defeat in the group stage, this time to Mansfield.
Having lost 4-0 to the Stags two week's ago in the league, the U18s were determined to set the record straight, but unfortunatley
The game started franticly with both teams playing at a good intensity but having little chances in front of goal.
Rovers had their best chance of the half 15 minutes in when Will Hollings pinged a ball over the box to Tom Parkinson who forced a save out of their goalkeeper Turner.
Five minutes later and Mansfield took the lead after Deakin easily tapped in from a cross.
Rovers pressed for an equaliser when Jak Whiting put a great ball into the box which was headed off target by Jack Goodman.
Gary McSheffrey’s side was still being tested down the other end of the pitch. Dan Wilds put in an excellent well-timed tackle to deny Kruszynski who penetrated from midfield.
It was only a couple of minutes into the second-half when Mansfield doubled their lead. Luke Chadwick’s powerful ball out from the back bounced of Bobby Faulkner to go into his own goal.
Like the previous weekend, once going 2-0 down, the U18s cranked up the pressure. With two shots from around 25-yards. One came from Hollings who was unfortuante to hit the post, while Corie Cole had a chance blocked.
Later, Rovers broke against the run of play through Parkinson who made good distance across the pitch, with his eventual shot getting deflected out.
The result leaves Rovers bottom of their group and will face Oldham Athletic at Cantley Park in the final group stage game on October 9.