BLACKBURN Rovers' two Academy sides both slipped to disappointing defeats at the weekend.

Rob Kelly's Under 19s travelled to Nottingham Forest for a rearranged fixture and ended up crashing to a third straight reverse, losing 2-0.

And Ian Miller's Under 17s fared little better, losing 2-1 to Sheffield United in a game which hinged on a debateable refereeing decision.

The Under 17 game -- played at Rovers' Brockhall Academy -- was a strong, physical encounter with the visitors intent on imposing themselves on proceedings.

United took the lead direct from a first half free kick but another super finish from the impressive Joe Garner brought a deserved equaliser for the home side.

The visiting keeper then made several excellent saves before the break and Rovers also rattled a post, but the pendulum swung back in United's favour when home captain Luke Jones was carried off with an ankle injury.

Controversy surrounded United's second half winner. The referee pointed to the spot when the infringement appeared to happen outside the box but the visitors took full advantage of their good fortune and converted the subsequent spot-kick.

To sum up a disappointing day, Garner was then denied what looked like a strong claim for a penalty at the opposite end.