A Brad Lyons double helped Rovers move to the top of the Premier League 2 table after a win at Liverpool.

The Northern Irishman took his tally to five goals in five games as Billy Barr’s side came from behind to win.

Lyons scored twice inside five minutes to turn the game on its head and move from fifth to first in what is a tightly-contested division.

Indeed, victory would have sent the young Reds top, and they led in the first half courtesy of a Sepp van der Berg goal just 13 minutes. He converted from close range on his return from injury as for the second consecutive game, Rovers were undone by an early set piece.

The Rovers side that showed three changes from the one beaten by Spurs five days earlier, grew into the game and levelled in the 63rd minute, Lyons pouncing on a loose pass to score an equaliser.

Then, midway through the half, he got on the end of an Isaac Whitehall cross to put Rovers ahead for the first time. Lyons also netted in the defeat to Spurs, and in recent draws with Everton and Manchester United. 

Barr’s side would hold on for victory that moves them top of the table, albeit having played one more game than the sides around them.

It was the perfect response to Monday’s defeat to Tottenham where poor defending cost them dear.

Another positive was an hour in the legs of Dan Butterworth as the attacker continues his comeback from a year out with two separate back injuries.

The 21-year-old played the opening 45 minutes against Spurs, his first outing in 51 weeks, while he played 61 minutes against Liverpool before being replaced by Jared Harlock.

The Under-18s captain was introduced from the bench, as was Ben Pleavin who made his debut at this level as a 77th minute substitute. Left back Lenni Cirino was also handed an opportunity in the closing stages as Rovers held on to victory.

Connor McBride returned to the side after missing the Spurs game through injury, with Sam Durrant handed a start after his impressive scoring cameo off the bench in that game.

Rovers switched to a back four, with Isaac Whitehall moving to right back as Dan Pike was ruled out with concussion.

The other change saw Jalil Saadi come in for Sam Barnes who wasn’t involved in the squad.

Rovers round off their 2020 fixtures with a trip to Derby County on Monday, December 21 (7pm).