Bristol Rovers 5

Hereford United 0

Although our U-18's won this game 5-0, they didn't have things all their own way, particularly in the opening 45 minutes, as Head of Youth Darren Patterson explained.

He told bristolrovers.co.uk: "It was a very tough game for us, especially in the first half, and although we were a goal ahead at the break Hereford were possibly the better side.

"They didn't necessarily play the better football, but they were big, strong, and pretty direct. Like many teams, they know that we are a good passing side and they tried to bully us.

"We didn't play with a tempo in that opening period and were second best all over the pitch. However we did look dangerous on the counter attack and scored a good goal. Having defended the ball well we played it out wide, switched play, and Jack Camm scored a good goal.

"Even though we were ahead at half time I wasn't happy because I felt that, individually, we had at least another 20% - 30% in us In the second half, with the wind in our favour, we totally dominated proceedings.

"We began winning individual battles and a lot more second balls and, in the end, we ran out comfortable winners, adding further goals through Ollie Clarke, Robbi Maggs, Lamar Powell and Lewis Parker."

Two new players were introduced to the squad for this game.

"Mitch Harding and Ross Staley, who have been offered scholarships for next season, were with us for this game and Mitch was brought on for twenty minutes.

"They bring the total number of scholars for next year up to four, as we have already signed Lamar Powell and Darren Jefferies. They are four talented boys, all with very good attributes, and we are hopeful that they can go on and do well for us.

"We will be looking to add to that total, but will only bring boys in if we feel they are better that what we already have.

"We have released a number of the U-16 players this week, and that's always a tough job. They are all fantastic lads, many of whom have been here a, long time, and we wish them every success in the future and will do all we can to help them.

"Many of them were unlucky, as there were a lot of borderline cases, but we have decided to go with the four we've chosen. There's a possibility we will bring in more, and we will be hosting trial games in the future, though if I'm honest we would rather go for quality than quantity."

Team: Rob Holmes, Mark Cooper, Jordan Tillson, Tom Seery, Jack McKenna, Dan Jefferies, (Ashley Bowle), Jack Camm, Ollie Clarke, George Booth (Mitch Harding), Robbi Maggs (Lewis Parker), Lamar Powell.

Substitute: Ross Staley