Rovers' FA Youth Cup run came to an end at Manchester City (Image: PA)
Rovers' FA Youth Cup run came to an end at Manchester City (Image: PA)
Rovers’ FA Youth Cup journey came to an end after a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.
Paul Butler’s side initially led through Valentin Joseph, who continued his excellent season in youth football.
But the hosts hit back on the stroke of half time and proved too strong after the break, booking their place in the final against Manchester United or Crystal Palace, who play next week.
Rovers made one change from the win against Burnley in the quarter-final, with Finlay Wilkinson returning to the backline and Theo Pitt dropping to the bench.
Among the City starters were Floyd and Tyrone Samba, whose dad Chris was a popular figure during his time at Ewood Park.
Rovers had to weather an early storm, with both of the Samba brothers getting into decent areas but ultimately failing to test Holt.
The opener came on the break when a clever ball over the top by Harvey Pates sent Joseph though on goal and he kept his cool to slot past the onrushing Max Hudson. The towering forward became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in the competition.
Harrison Miles had a couple of chances from the edge of the box as City searched for an immediate response, but his first effort crept wide and the second was held by Holt.
T Samba got into a dangerous position after some intricate play in the box but his cross-shot was hooked clear by Pates.
Joseph had another chance on the break and tried to lift a clever finish over Hudson, who was caught in no man’s land, but it crept wide.
T Samba curled an effort just over and Kaden Braithwaite sent a low drive wide from an angle as City cranked up the pressure.
But it was Rovers who nearly doubled their lead when Leon Kelley-Quinn rose highest from a corner and saw his goal-bound header deflected over.
The tie nearly turned on its head on the stroke of half time. Initially, Ryan McAidoo got the hosts back level after cutting in from the right and drilling a shot past Holt into the bottom corner.
Moments later, Rovers failed to deal with a corner and Joseph was judged to have fouled his man. F Samba stepped up but Holt went the right way and made the save.
City picked up where they left off in the second half and took the lead through Teddy Lamb. Holt had initially done well to tip F Samba’s shot onto the post but the young forward reacted quickest to prod home from close range.
McAidoo nearly doubled his tally for the evening after shifting onto his left foot again. His effort was spilled by Holt but the goalkeeper did well to recover and prevent the ball from crossing the line.
It felt like the next goal was crucial, with Michael Decandia nodding wide from a corner before T Samba whistled a shot over at the other end.
City were awarded another spot kick after the hour mark when Kelley-Quinn dived in desperately to make a block but caught F Samba. This time it was Reigan Heskey who stepped up and he made no mistake from 12 yards.
Lamb had a chance to make it four after Rovers were carved open by more clever play, but Holt made a smart stop with his body.
Oliver Tevenan got the fourth with an accurate finish into the bottom corner after Rovers had cleared the initial cross.
Levi Ball’s free kick forced Hudson into a smart stop, and Kelley-Quinn’s header on the rebound nearly looped in but a defender managed to get back and clear it off the line.
Joseph went close again in the final stages. He managed to get in behind the backline but was forced wide, allowing Hudson to make a good save with his feet.
A first final since 2012 wasn’t to be, but Rovers gave an excellent account of themselves throughout the competition with wins against Southampton, Coventry, Swansea and Burnley.