Rovers' under 18s slipped to defeat in their final pre-season match.

Ahead of their season opener against Chelsea next weekend, Rovers were at the Academy of Light taking on Sunderland.

In blustery conditions which helped neither side, Sunderland started the brighter of the two sides, but as the half progressed Rovers got more on top, Josh Morris firing narrowly wide on a couple of occasions.

But towards the end of the first half, the home side took the lead courtesy of a defensive mix-up. Grant Hanley and Josh Swann left the ball to each other allowing the Sunderland striker to nip and roll the ball into an empty net.

Rovers started brightly in the second half and deservedly went level. A well worked goal saw Jackson Ramm centre from the right was swept home by Josh Morris.

But Ramm then turned villan when he scythed down the Sunderland attacker after Rovers cheaply gave possession away.

From the resulting penalty, Josh Swann almost kept the ball out diving to his left but the ball just squirmed from his grasp.

But with Rovers pressing for a leveller, Sunderland scored on the counter-attack. The referee blowing his whistle immediately after the restart.

"It was a great exercise for us, we were pleased with the players effort and commitment," said coach Gary Bowyer.

"I'm slightly disappointed with the manner in which we conceded the goals, but it was just the sort of match we needed before we take on Chelsea in the opening game of the season at the weekend."