Rovers’ U18s suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town.
The visitors wasted no time, taking the lead within two minutes of kick-off through their number nine.
They continued to press Rovers, winning threatening corners and free kicks, but Gary McSheffrey’s side defended well.
After a shaky start, Rovers grew into their stride as the half went on. Two chances came at once with Jack Raper shooting from range, only for the blocked shot to fall to Will Hollings in the corner of the box who forced a save out of their goalkeeper with a curved effort.
Hollings would nearly got an assist when he squared a ball into the box, only for it to fall to a yellow shirt.
During the half two corners fell to Dan Wilds. One effort was headed over the bar by the captain, while the second time saw Mansfield smother him before he could cause any danger.
The half ended with Rovers growing in presence but still a goal down.
In the second-half Rovers started as they finished, on top with possession. Tavonga Kuleya had the chance to tap-in from the far post, but a Stags defender was on hand to block.
Moments later and Kuleya was substituted off for Tom Parkinson as it appeared the forward had popped his shoulder out.
Parkinson was straight into action, being teed up perfectly by Ethan Harrison, but his chance was saved by the keeper.
The Stags then went on a rampage, scoring two quick-fire goals which knocked the confidence of McSheffrey’s youngsters.
In the final ten minutes of the game, the visitors got their fourth as their earlier substitute headed home from a free kick.
Rovers will get the chance for revenge in two weeks as they visit Mansfield in their next match as part of the EFL Youth Cup group. But before that Rovers will head to Huddersfield Town in the league on September 18.