Professional development phase coach Frank Sinclair was disappointed to have come away empty-handed after competing well with Mansfield Town in his side’s 2-0 loss.
Rovers U18s had a number of chances to take the lead throughout their latest game in the EFL Youth Alliance League but they were undone by two goals in the final fifteen minutes.
Despite a largely encouraging performance in Nottinghamshire, the youth team manager felt aggrieved by his side’s late misfortune.
Sinclair said: “We’re a little bit disappointed because I think we deserved a least a point from the game, but we showed a little bit of naivety towards the end and the defending from wide areas wasn’t done properly at the key moments.
“Both sides tried to not give anything away but I think I had to make too many changes to really make an impression with them.
“It’s disappointing because it certainly wasn’t a 2-0 game and we needed to be more resolute at 0-0 because once Mansfield get in front, that’s when they’re strongest.
“We certainly played well enough to get something out of the game but we know coming to Mansfield is always a tough day and they produce some really good players."
Still without a recorded league win this season, Sinclair remains positive when looking at the bigger picture.
He added: “For our U16s especially, what we’re going through right now will be really key to their individual development.
“Looking forward, we’ll get the real rewards for this in 12-18 months’ time because our boys are playing ahead of their time and competing really well.
“Last year we found that with the first-years that went straight into the squad and the U16s that we used, their learning curve was great.
“I can’t recreate that learning experience for them in training so they’re getting more out of playing games for us and that’s what they’ll continue to do.
“The good thing about what’s happening at the moment is that they’re all going to improve at a much faster rate.”