Rovers under 18s won their second pre-season outing with a 2-1 win over Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium on Friday evening.

A brace from striker Tom Hitchcock saw Rovers claim the victory, although they were given a late scare when Cambridge levelled.

Rovers started the match brightly, with Hitchcock striking the crossbar after a clever corner kick involving Josh Morris and Jordan Bowen.

But despite their domination they couldn't get the goals their play deserved. Efforts were scrambled off the line, shots were blocked but Rovers couldn't carve out any clear-cut openings as the first half ended goalless.

However Rovers didn't have long to wait in the second half to finally find the back of the net. Going 1-0 up when Michael Potts released Jordan Bowen down the right, his cross was on a plate for Tom Hitchcock and he headed home.

From that point the game became a rather scrappy affair but they still created chances. Jason Banton wasted a decent opportunity when through on goal, but his indecision allowed a Cambridge defender to get back and tackle the Rovers forward.

But in the closing stages the game burst into life when Rovers were stunned by an equaliser with just three minutes to go. Rovers disappointingly failed to clear their lines allowing a Cambridge player to fire home from 20 yards.

The visitors weren't to be denied however, with Tom Hitchcock grabbing his and Rovers second goal on the night with a fine individual goal right on the stroke of full-time.

"We'd like to thank Cambridge for hosting the game at the Abbey Stadium, it was a good experience to play under lights and on such a good pitch," said under 18s coach Gary Bowyer.

"It was a decent workout fitness wise, the players got more time under their belts, and they showed good strength of character to come back from 1-1 to go on and win it with only three minutes to go.

"We will look to build on this week with three matches in Shrewsbury tournament and then next Saturday at Brockhall against Hearts."