BLACKBURN Rovers tasted their first defeat of the U18s Premier League season on Saturday after Manchester City battled back from behind to win 3-1 at Brockhall.

Lewis Mansell headed Billy Barr’s side in front but City, managed by former Rovers winger Jason Wilcox, levelled before the first-half was out through Zac Faour.

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And they sealed victory in the second half with goals from Demeaco Duhaney and Lukas Nmecha.

Rovers boss Barr said: “The lads showed good character, commitment, and plenty of desire.

“We spent a lot of time out of possession but we needed to be braver when with the ball as we gave it away too cheaply at times.

“We stood up to the test and looked like we could get something from the game but it wasn’t to be.”

Rovers were rewarded for their bright start when excellent wing play by Tre Pemberton resulted in Mansell nodding home from close range.

But they were pegged before the opening period was out by Faour’s long-range strike.

And an even better shot from distance, from Duhaney, then gave Wilcox’s side the lead.

Rovers thought they had equalised when the ball appeared to cross the City line after a goalmouth scramble.

And they went close again through substitute Stuart Callaway.

But it was City and Nmecha who settled the contest on the break.

Rovers are away to Liverpool on Saturday.