JONATHAN Douglas made an impressive comeback from injury last night but that failed to inspire the rest of his team-mates as Rovers kicked off the New Year with a defeat.

Leon Mike's clinical first half strike ultimately tipped the balance as an experienced Manchester City side completed a league double over Rovers.

But reserve boss Alan Murray was at least boosted by the performance of Douglas who made his first competitive appearance in nine months after battling back from a career-threatening knee injury.

Douglas lasted an hour before making way for Alan Morgan but the young Irishman did enough to suggest he's lost none of his poise in midfield despite such a lengthy lay-off.

Rovers started brightly enough as the lively David McNamee forced Nicky Weaver into making two smart saves at the end of a couple of typically thrusting runs.

But Mike then fired a warning when he connected with a cross from Tyrone Mears eight yards out but Alan Kelly reacted brilliantly to parry and Paul Dickov skied the rebound over the bar.

However, there was nothing the Republic of Ireland international could do to stop the City striker from breaking the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Mike swapped passes with Dickov on the edge of the box before creating a yard of space for himself from where he arrowed a low right-foot shot inside Kelly's right-hand post.

After the break, City had further chances to extend their advantage.

Midfield bad-boy Christian Negouai headed straight at Kelly from a Terry Dunfield free kick and Mike missed a glorious chance to grab his second of the night when he somehow fired over after expertly rounding the Rovers keeper.

In a rare break at the opposite end, Weaver reacted smartly to block a snap-shot from Damien Johnson.

But it was City who finished the game the stronger side and Kelly was called on to save the day again when he magnificently thwarted the luckless Dickov after the Scotland striker had burst through the centre unchecked.

ROVERS: Kelly, Grayson, McNamee, Douglas, Greer, Howson, Johnson, Danns, Richards, Thomas, O'Brien. Subs: Morgan (for Douglas, 60), Walters (for Richards, 60), Taylor (for Howson, 85) Not used: Corbett, Robinson.

CITY: Weaver, Charvet, Jordan, Dunfield, Mears, Pearce, Killen, Negouai, Mike, Dickov, Shuker. Subs: Whelan (for Pearce, 46), Burton (for Negouai, 74,), Paisley (for Mike, 85) Not used: Murphy, Browne.

ROVERS RES...0 MANCHESTER CITY RES...1