BLACKBURN Rovers Under-18s boss Billy Barr had mixed emotions after his side drew 2-2 at Under-18s Premier League high flyers Manchester City on Saturday.

The point continued Rovers’ upturn in form after a four-game winless run but, after taking the lead through goals from Matty Platt and Tre Pemberton, Barr felt they could have won.

He said: “We’ve come away from Man City after a 2-2 draw yet we are disappointed.

“It was a good competitive game and one I thought we shaded as all the way through we had lots of chances.

“It is always a good test going to City. They said it was the toughest game they’ve had in the last six weeks so we’ve put down a good marker. We’ve just got to keep building on it.

“We started the season well before having a dip but now we are coming out of it and back on the rise.”

Rovers started strongly and top-scorer Lewis Mansell missed a great chance in the 14th minute.

But it was City who went in front in the 29th minute through Lukas Nmecha after an attack down the right was not dealt with.

Rovers responded seven minutes later when Joe Grayson fired over a corner which was headed in by goal-scoring centre-back Platt, who this week put pen to paper on a professional deal.

And just before the first half was out they scored again as Pemberton pounced for his second goal of the season after the City keeper spilled a Joe Rankin-Costello cross.

Andy Fisher made a magnificent save at the start of the second half to deny Pablo Fernandes and maintain Rovers’ advantage before play was halted after midfielder Grayson sustained a knee injury that required nine stitches.

Once the action resumed Pemberton, Ramirez Howarth and Scott Wharton all had opportunities to put the game to bed.

And eight minutes from time there was a sting in the tale as Jason Wilcox’s second-placed City side equalised through Brahim Diaz.

Rovers, who are fourth, head to Manchester United on Saturday (11am).