Rovers Under-14s have added to the club's season of success by being crowned Albert Phelan Cup Northern Winners 2017/18.

The Academy starlets defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in the final and are now just one win away from being named national champions.

The competition started back in October, with Rovers qualifying from a four-team group which also included Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.

Rovers beat Sunderland on penalties in the quarter-final, after a 1-1 draw, and then beat Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium in semi-final, having come from behind in both games.

The final was played at Myerscough College in Preston, where Rovers once again trailed before beating the Baggies 2-1 after extra-time.

The young Rovers side will now face the winners of the Southern section - Wolves or Norwich - on Wednesday, June 13 at St George’s Park training ground, where the glory of Under-14 National Champions on offer.

U13/U14 Lead Coach, Dan Stubberfield, said: “The squad have shown a fantastic togetherness throughout the competition.

“They have shown tremendous levels of resilience, especially when going behind in games, but the players have the desire to learn and develop, and an ability to keep going and never quit when they go behind.

“To be crowned Northern Champions competing against a select group of other big clubs, who all hold Academy Category 1 status similar to ourselves, is a brilliant achievement and one we are very proud of as an Academy.

“To go one better and win the National title would be the perfect ending to a memorable season.”

Rovers' Head of Academy, Stuart Jones, added: “On the back of a very successful season for both the Academy and the first team, I’m delighted for the players and staff who have been pivotal to the success of the Under-14s being crowned Northern Champions.

“It highlights that we are continuing to develop some really exciting young players, who will hopefully one day play in our first team.

“It’s important that young players experience both the highs and lows during their development pathway and this success is one I’m sure all the players will embrace and enjoy, and hopefully look back on with fond memories.

“Hopefully we can go further next week and be crowned National Champions, but ultimately it’s about development for all our Academy players and that will continue to be the mindset of our staff.”