Rovers booked their place in round five of the FA Youth Cup but for boss Mike Sheron there was a hint of disappointment in the performance.

Sam Burns’ solo goal four minutes before the break helped see of Charlton Athletic and set up a meeting with neighbours Preston North End at Ewood in the fifth round on Tuesday, February 18.

Rovers had to show plenty of resilience in the second half, coming under extensive pressure from the visitors, but strong defending in front of him meant Jordan Eastham wasn’t overly extended in goal.

A clean sheet meant progression in to the last 16, but for Sheron, it was Rovers’ quality on the ball that was of particular frustration.

Burns’ goal saw him carry the ball all of 60 yards before firing in to the corner, their only shot on target of the first half, in a game where chances were at a premium.

The winger missed a glorious chance in added time to double his tally, but they struggled to create opportunities against an Addicks side who looked the more comfortable in possession.

And Sheron said: “Give the lads some credit, it wasn’t a great performance and we’re all aware of that, but they showed a bit of resilience, perseverance, stuck at it, and they got the job done.

“We feel as though they are better players than what they showed. We felt we got a way with it a bit.

“They dominated possession more than we would have wanted and we didn’t really change the flow of the game that was disappointing.

“The positive is we found a way. It’s nice but we want to create players to get in to Tony Mowbray’s first team and one or two of the players didn’t show that level of performance.

“But you have to find a way and credit to the lads, they did.”

On how they can improve, Sheron added: “I think it’s about bravery. We have to get on the ball and dominate the game a lot more.

“I know the gaffer wants players who are comfortable in possession and we didn’t have enough players showing that ability to dictate the game, what we wanted to do and play, and that was the disappointing part.”

Full back Dan Pike, as well as central defensive pairing Isaac Whitehall and Flavien Enzo Boyomo, were among the star performers for Rovers who overcame Newport County in round three.

While much of the talk centres around player development, finding a way to win when things weren’t going their way was a positive for Sheron.

“We speak a lot about the different facets of the game but just felt that bravery and ability to get on the ball and make us tick wasn’t there,” he added.

“There were some other assets that we’ve got to be positive about.

“It’s great to have a cup run and stay in the cup because it keeps the motivation and belief levels high.

“Confidence should be high, we’re in the last 16 now, it’s great to still be in the competition but we were a bit flat at times.

“They are better players than they showed so we feel it’s a bit of an opportunity missed.”

It is now two goals in two Youth Cup games for winger Burns, a player who certainly doesn’t lack confidence.

“You’d say so. Fair play to Sam, he’s got good athleticism and strength, he showed it, and he finished it pretty well,” Sheron explained.

“It won us the tie so I’m happy for him.

“Sam, anyone who comes across him, they always say what a great personality he is. He’s the life and soul of the group.

“He’s not a shy lad, loves a sing song, but he’s a good worker. He showed a lot of determination and then composure because he’s done a lot of practicing on his finishing like that so I’m really pleased with him.

“It’s something we’ve tried to encourage him to do. That’s his biggest asset, his pace and his strength and he showed it in abundance for his goal.”