Rovers Under-21s returned to winning ways in style as a strong side emphatically earned the points thanks to a 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest Under-21s at Meadow Lane.

Senior figures were included from the start, with Connor O'Riordan and Billy Koumetio lining up alongside Dilan Markanday and Semir Telalovic, both of whom would have a big say in the outcome of the contest.

A devastating first-half display ensured the game was all but wrapped up at the interval as Rovers took a 4-0 advantage into the break, but it took half an hour for the team to kick into gear.

It was Zak Gilsenan - back in the team after not being included against West Ham United last time out - who started the scoring, with the attacker continuing his excellent form in front of goal by scoring his 10th goal in his last seven Under-21s games.

Rovers grew in confidence from then and Leo Duru grabbed his second assist of the game when he teed up Telalovic to net the visitors' second of the night just a few moments later.

After Markanday scored Rovers' third goal in five first-half minutes, Rovers really were in command, with Jake Batty making it 4-0 in the final seconds of what was a scintillating showing from Sheron's side.

Although Ben Perry gave Forest hope of an unlikely comeback just after the hour, that effort only counted as a consolation, with Duru rewarded for a superb individual performance with a goal of his own with nine minutes left to regain a three-goal advantage and make it 5-1 on the night.

Rovers are next in action on Saturday 16th March when the team take on Arsenal Under-21s at Leyland, kick-off 1pm.

Report: Nottingham Forest Under-21s 1-5 Rovers Under-21s