Rovers' under 18s won an amazing nine-goal thriller against Everton on Saturday.

In crazy conditions for a crazy game Terry McPhillips' side found themselves 4-2 down at the break, but three unanswered second half goals saw the Rovers Academy triumph at Finch Farm saw them end the game 5-4 winners.

Everton raced into a two-goal lead after just eight minutes, Anton Forrester and Hallam Hope finding the net to put the hosts in command, but just past the half hour Bradley Mason was brought down in the area by the Everton goalkeeper and Hugo Fernandez (pictured) reduced arrears from 12 yards.

Five minutes later and Rovers were back on level terms, John O'Sullivan did well to cut inside to shoot, the ball striking a defender on the line and rebounding to Curtis Haley who made no mistake following up.

But despite having the driving wind at their backs it was Everton who netted twice more with both Hope and Forrester scoring again before the break.

Choice words were said at half time and to Rovers' credit they responded, their first attack of the second half putting them back in the game.

Again the elements played their part, a long range shot from Curtis Haley appeared to be heading over the bar, but the strong wind lead to the Everton stopper spilling the ball and Osayamen Osawe needed no second invitation to strike.

The hour mark saw Rovers back on level terms with a second goal of the game for Fernandez, McPhillips' side keeping possession well before the ball eventually found the Spaniard who smashed it home.

Rovers' winner came on 77 minutes with Curtis Haley grabbing his second of the game and tenth of the season when he turned and fired home from close-range to complete the turnaround and to clinch the win.

Speaking after the match, under 18s coach Terry McPhillips said: "In the end it was the right result, but the first half we weren't competitive enough and you don't often get the chance to come back like we did.

"To be fair to the lads I spoke to them at half time and they've responded brilliantly. The conditions were crazy, the wind and rain certainly didn't help.

"We've had our fair share of thrillers this season so it was a nice win for everybody."

ROVERS: Urwin, Wylie, Edwards, Paul, R. Hanley (sub Laverty 84 minutes), Boland (sub Hands 46 mins), Mason (sub Beesley 61 mins), O'Sullivan, Fernandez, Osawe, Haley.

Subs not used: Dilo, James.