BLACKBURN Rovers Academy’s seven-match unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday afternoon when they lost their final game of the U18s Premier League season, going down 2-1 at home to Stoke City.

The Potters took a deserved lead in the 35th minute thanks to a superb finish from Oliver Roberts.

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But Brian Carey’s side equalised six minutes after the break when Stuart Callaway steered in a Jan Pirretas cross.

That was the way it stayed until the 72nd minute when Daniel Jarvis slotted home to earn Stoke a win which moved them above Rovers in the final play-off group three standings.

“Stoke were a lot stronger than us and we couldn’t really cope in the first half, but we changed things around in the second half and went stronger with a couple of the lads who had played for the U21s on Thursday and we did well to get back on level terms,” said Rovers boss Carey.

“But we just ran out of steam, we just lacked that little bit of quality when it mattered.

“The lads are a little bit disappointed not to finish top of their group but that is not the objective, they are here to try and progress and to get up to the U21s and ultimately the first team.

“Overall we are pleased with how they have done since Christmas, they’ve had a fantastic run, it was just a shame they couldn’t end the season with a victory.”