BLACKBURN Rovers Under 17s missed out on the end of season play-offs when they narrowly lost out to Leeds United at Brockhall on Saturday.

It was a disappointment for Rovers who had topped their play-off group, but were then drawn with their Roses rivals in a clash to see who would go through to the quarter-finals.

Rovers played the more stylish football against a strong and physical side.

Jemal Johnson almost gave Rovers the lead in the first half when he latched on to a Gary Harkins through ball, but the Leeds keeper made a good save.

Seconds later, good work on the left by Danny Whelan set up Paul Gallagher, but the tall striker's snap volley from eight yards flew narrowly over.

In the second half, Rovers skipper Jay McEveley found space and met Jerome Watt's free kick with a glancing header, unfortunately to the wrong side of the upright.

And on 55 minutes, Gallagher set up left winger Peter Corvino who went close with a fierce left foot drive.

The key moment came on 80 minutes following a period of Leeds pressure.

A corner from the left was headed back across goal from the far post.

Centre half Henry McStay's return header caused confusion, coming back off the woodwork, hitting the unlucky Stuart Cumming and going into the net.

Rovers threw everything at Leeds in the frantic search for an equaliser. On 84 minutes substitute Joel Byrom forced a fine diving save from Carson, who sprang to turn the rasping shot away for a corner.

And in what amounted to almost 10 minutes of added time, Watt, with a curling free-kick and Harkins, with a powerful header from a corner, were both denied by the visiting keeper.

It was the tensest of finishes, with one or two seemingly intent on reviving the 'War of the Roses' but fortunately discipline and common sense prevailed.

Rovers will be disappointed to end the season on this note, but they performed well and on this occasion, it simply wasn't to be.

Rovers: Drench, Cumming, Whelan, Black, McEveley, Bruce, Watt, Harkins, Johnson, Gallagher (Kebe 77), Corvino (Byrom 66). Subs: Jones, Stevenson, Weaver, Howard, Francis