What happened?
City started the game well and dominated possession in the early stages, with Ian Poveda and Adrian Bernabe looking particularly lively on the flanks.
However, the first real chance of the game fell to the hosts in the 16th minute, as Harry Chapman wriggled his way through the City defence but fired over Daniel Grimshaw’s goal.
The young Blues found it difficult to get in-behind the Rovers defence, with Felix Nmecha resorting to a long-range strike which sailed over the bar.
Iker Pozo was next to try his luck from outside the 18-yard box, but his powerful drive was deflected over.
Paul Harsley’s men moved the ball around with confidence but Rovers looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Joe Rankin-Costello heading just wide on the stroke of half-time from 12 yards out.
The hosts showed their attacking intent early in the second half and had the ball in the net, but the linesman had his flag up for offside.
However, Rovers continued to apply pressure and took the lead in the 53rd minute from the penalty spot through Dan Butterworth after Chapman was tripped inside the area.
City were shaken and at the hour mark, Rovers almost doubled their lead. Chapman raced through on goal ahead of Eric Garcia and fired over with only Grimshaw to beat.
However, we were punished five minutes later as Rovers got their second goal of the evening through Jack Vale, who finished into the bottom corner.
As City drove forward in an effort to get back in the game, Rovers struck on the counter again and extended their lead on 77 minutes through Chapman who slotted the ball beyond Grimshaw after being put through by Vale.
City were offered a route back into the game with ten minutes remaining as Nmecha was brought down inside the area. Benjamin Garre calmly slotted the spot-kick into the bottom corner, sending Charlie Albinson the wrong way.
The goal lifted our spirits, but Rovers saw out the victory on a disappointing evening for the young Blues.
What it means
The defeat sees City drop into ninth place in the Premier League 2 Division One table but results elsewhere mean that our EDS side will play in the top flight again next season.
How we lined up
Daniel Grimshaw started in goal, shielded by a back four of Eliaquim Mangala, captain Eric Garcia, Jeremie Frimpong and Tyreke Wilson.
Iker Pozo operated just in front of the defence, with Tommy Doyle and Felix Nmecha joining him in midfield.
Adrian Bernabe and Ian Carlo Poveda provided the width for frontman Lorenzo Gonzalez.
What’s next?
Our EDS side host Swansea City next in our final match of the Premier League 2 season on Friday 26th April, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm BST.
