ROVERS Academy boss Gary Bowyer has called for his side to cut out the sloppy mistakes after seeing them end a disastrous November in defeat.

Manchester United’s resounding 4-0 success leaves Rovers’ Under-18s reflecting on a month that has seen them lose all four of their games, conceding 16 goals and scoring just one.

They travel to Charlton a week on Tuesday for the FA Youth Cup third round, desperate for a change in fortunes but Bowyer knows they have to tighten up defensively.

He said: “We were beaten by a better team, however we do have to stop conceding goals so easily.”

A quick fire start from United at Brockhall left Rovers a mountain that they were never looked like climbing as they slipped to a fourth consecutive league defeat.

Three first half goals killed the game as a contest before the visitors rubbed salt in the wounds with a fourth later on, as early goals again proved Bowyer’s men’ achilles heels.

A clinical finish from Davide Petrucci handed United the lead after just three minutes and he doubled the lead on the half hour mark, firing home from a seemingly off side position.

Matt James’ strike made it 3-0 soon after, via both posts, as Rovers horrendous November showed little signs of improving.

The hosts did get better after the break, keeping the lively visitors at bay until the 80th minute when Evandro Brandao scored from the penalty spot, after being fouled.

Rovers Under-18s are next in action in the FA Youth Cup third round against Charlton Athletic at The Valley on December 2.