ACADEMY starlet Jerome Watt grabbed the all-important goal as Rovers' reserves chalked up an excellent away victory at the expense of West Brom last night.

Watt struck midway through the second half after Rovers cranked up the pressure following a half-time pep-talk from Alan Murray.

And their victory margin could have been even greater in the end had Alan Mahon converted a penalty.

Rovers fielded an experienced side which included Matt Jansen, Ciccio Grabbi, John Curtis and Andy Todd. But that counted for little in a dire first half as both sides struggled to master a strong wind and a freezing pitch.

As a result, chances were at a premium with neither keeper called on to make a serious save. That prompted Murray to have words at half-time and his players seemed to take the message on board as they turned up the heat after the break.

The all-important goal came when Mahon and Jonathan Douglas linked up well on the left before a cross was delivered to the far post where Watt had made a perfectly timed run and, although his initial header was saved, the speedy winger scored from the rebound.

After that, Rovers had several chances to extend their lead. Jansen, Grabbi and Neil Danns all went close to getting their names on the scoresheet.

And Mahon also completely missed the target from the spot after Danns had been felled in the area. All-in-all, though, Murray was delighted with the way his players adapted to the difficult conditions.

"It was the stereotypical game of two halves," said Murray. "It was an awful night, weather-wise, and we weren't very good in the first half to be honest. But we had a chat about it at half-time and changed a few things around which made a big difference in the second half and we could have won by three or four in the end."

Rovers: Robinson, Curtis, Todd, Greer, McEveley, Watt, Danns, Douglas, Mahon, Grabbi, Jansen.

WEST BROM RES...0

ROVERS RES...1