Rovers' under 18s maintained their unbeaten start to the season will a well-earned point away at Reading.
After last week's hard fought win over Chelsea, Rovers were given another tough task at Reading but came through 1-1.
It was Josh Morris, who after netting the winner for the Reserves from the penalty spot last Thursday, struck once again to earn Rovers a share of the spoils in a match in which they ended with just nine men.
Rovers started strongly and could have taken the lead just a minute into the game. A corner from Morris was hit goalwards by Grant Hanley but he saw his effort blocked on the line.
But on 21 minutes the deadlock was broken, and how. Josh Morris cutting in from the right to rifle in a superb left-footed shot into the back of the net.
However Rovers held onto the lead for just two minutes when a bad defensive error from Anthony O'Connor allowed the Reading forward in to make it 1-1.
Gary Bowyer's under 18 side could have regained the lead before the break, great build up play between Morris and Michael Hall presented MIchael Potts with a chance but it was brilliantly blocked.
Moments later Morris was narrowly over with a free-kick.
Rovers continued to take the game to Reading at the start of the second half, the lively Morris sending Micah Evans clean through but his effort was saved.
However Rovers were then dealt a blow on 57 minutes when after he had been fouled, Andy Parry retaliated and was given his marching orders.
Despite this disadvantage a minute later Rovers thought they had regained the lead when Grant Hanley scored with a header from a corner. But the officials somehow spotted an infringement in the area. Hanley was booked for his protests, a card that would prove crucial as ten minutes later the Rovers defender picked up his second yellow of the game leaving Rovers down to nine men.
With 12 minutes to go a great run by Jordan Bowen presented Potts with a chance to win the game for the away side but he blazed his shot over the bar.
The final minutes of the game Reading laid siege to the Rovers goal, with 'keeper Jake Kean making two excellent saves.
Despite an unbelievable 7 minutes of time added on, Rovers held on valiantly to claim an point and keep their unbeaten start to the season.
After the match, Gary Bowyer said: "It was a mixed day at the office really, as at times we played very well. We scored a great goal.
"But disappointingly we had two men sent off and their behaviour we can't condone. They have been dealt with internally.
"The nine men showed immense character and effort and have continued their good start to the season."
The Under 18s are back in action on Saturday away at Barnsley.
ROVERS: Kean, Ramm, Hall, Parry, Hanley, O'Connor, Evans (sub Billington 81 mins), Bowen, Potts (sub Knowles 83 mins), Hitchcock, Morris.
Subs not used: Banton, Urwin, Pearson.
