Rovers' under 18 side maintained their excellent start to the season but they had to settle for a point in an entertaining goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday.
The match at Brockhall saw Rovers looking to extend their unbeaten run of four wins and a draw, but with a top of the table clash against United, it was always going to be tested.
It was the home side who carved the first opening of the game, the lively Jason Banton firing wide with a left-footed strike after just 7 minutes. He then nearly turned provider but his whipped cross was cut out with Tom Hitchcock lurking at the back post.
The deadlock was almost broken in the 23rd minute when some hesitant defending from Grant Hanley allowed John Cofie to shoot. The Rovers central defender had time to clear but his delay allowed the Manchester United striker John Cofie to get a shot away from close quarters, but Rovers were relieved to see it crash off the outside of the post.
Stung by United going close, Rovers went in search of the opener, Hitchcock headed over a cross from Banton, whilst Josh Morris was inches wide, cutting inside and shooting across goal.
But the chance of the half fell to Hitchcock. Last time the two side's met he bagged two goals, and when the ball arrived to him at the post from a corner he had the chance to open his account for he new campaign, but he fired just over the bar.
The second was slow to get going in terms of chances, two well organised teams cancelling each other out. But as the half wore on it was Rovers who again took control, but they couldn't find that elusive goal.
Michael Potts drove straight at the goalkeeper when well placed, whilst Jason Banton forced a fine save from the United 'keeper, shooting across goal, Banton saw his effort tipped around the post.
Morris and Banton both saw further shots on goal saved as the game entered the final stages but they couldn't carve open any further opportunities and had to settle for a point to keep their unbeaten start to the season going.
ROVERS: Kean; Ramm, Hanley (c), O'Connor, Hall; Parry, Morrissey, Potts; Morris (sub Evans 74 mins), Hitchcock (sub Vastić 82 mins), Banton.
Subs not used: Swann, Knowles, Ajagbe.
