Bristol Rovers youngsters bow out at the first hurdle

BRISTOL ROVERS 1 BOURNEMOUTH 3: There will be no repeat of last season's FA Youth Cup heroics for Bristol Rovers after two quick goals just before the interval killed off their hopes of another run.

Bristol Rovers' youngsters fought out a thrilling fourth-round tie with eventual finalists Liverpool last term, going out on penalties.

But they fell at the first hurdle this time.

Cherries took the lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour.

Rovers defender Tom Seery handled Murray Holmes' cross and Matthew Kemble scored from the spot.

Eliot Richards fired a powerful shot just over the top from 20 yards as the home side tried to respond, but they were rocked by two goals in as many minutes. First Malcolm Bradley seized on a ball allowed to bounce across the home side's box and volleyed in from 14 yards.

And moments later, striker Jaydon Stockley nodded on a free-kick for Kemble to slide his shot in.

Bristol Rovers' goal came in the 80th minute, as Oli Clarke netted for the fourth time in two games.