ROVERS' under 18s picked up a point on their travels as they drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at the weekend.

After a goalless first half, Rovers took the lead through Michael Potts but Palace levelled five minutes later to earn a share of the points.

It was the young Rovers side who drew the first chance of the match, a good passing move saw the ball switched to Michael Hall on the overlap down the left, his cross found Jake Simpson arriving at the back post but the Palace 'keeper made a fine save.

It was then turn for the Rovers goalkeeper Bjorn Bussmann to come to the fore, as he twice made good saves to keep the home side at bay. On one occasion he was helpless as he was beaten by a header but thankfully it crashed against the crossbar.

Jake Simpson's inswinging corner caused consternation in the home ranks but they survived, whilst Jordan Bowen saw a shot blocked.

But Rovers again had Bussmann to thank before the break brilliantly denying a Palace attacker in a one-on-one situation.

The height and strength of the Palace frontline continued to cause Rovers issues in the second half, the woodwork saving Gary Bowyer's side as another header struck a post.

But the deadlock was finally broken on 76 minutes when Michael Potts struck a fine 25 yard effort that nestled into the corner of the net. It was his second goal of the season.

However Rovers failed to hang on and five minutes later another high ball into the area saw a Palace man get ahead of his marker to power home.

Neither side threatened further, a draw being the fair result.

"It was a good physical battle against a much stronger and older Crystal Palace team," said under 18s coach Gary Bowyer. "Jason Lowe came out with credit again with his performance as did Bjorn Bussmann whilst Michael Potts has now scored two good goals."

ROVERS: Bussmann, O'Connor, Hall (c), Lowe (sub Parry 82 mins), Hanley, Jones, Simpson (sub Grant 72 mins), Morrissey, Bowen, Potts, Morris.

Subs not used: Swann, Ryan, Brierley.