It was the same old story for the under 18s as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough at the weekend.

Despite dominating the game for long periods, a combination of poor defending and being unable to take their chances when presented to them lead to their downfall.

Josh Swann, making his first start for the Academy side in goal, was called upon just a minute into proceedings at Brockhall, the 17-year-old down smartly to deny 'Boro an early chance of breaking the deadlock.

Rovers were dominating the game in terms of possession, but without creating any outstanding chances, Josh Morris had a shot from distance, whilst Jason Banton saw an effort blocked after a goalmouth scramble.

But as has been often the case for the under 18s this season, Rovers were then undone by poor play of their own making. On 24 minutes a back pass to Swann saw the 'keeper's clearance deflect off the Middlesbrough attacker closing down the ball and into the back of the net. Although Anthony O'Connor could have done better on the line it getting the ball away.

Despite the blow of going behind Rovers continued to control the game, but as in the first half, the young Rovers side never really created any chances of note. Substitute Micah Evans connected well with a Callum O'Connor cross from the right but his effort flew wide.

After the game coach Gary Bowyer said: "Once again I'm pleased with how we went about the game, playing decent football at times. But as has so often been the case this season the opposition hasn't had to work hard for their goal which is disappointing."

ROVERS: Swann, C. O'Connor, Hall (sub Parry 60 mins), Lowe, Jones (sub Hanley 60 mins), A. O'Connor, Morrissey, Bowen, Banton, Potts (sub Evans 70 mins), Morris.

Subs not used: Bussmann.