ROVERS academy coach Gary Bowyer has called for a return to past standards after watching his starlets slip to their third consecutive defeat on Saturday.

Grant Hanley thought he had rescued a point for the hosts when he headed home in the dying seconds, but it was ruled out for a foul in the area to hand Stoke a hard-fought 1-0 win.

The only goal of the game came from the penalty spot midway through the first-half and, despite dominating for large periods, Rovers were unable to break down their resolute visitors.

Jason Lowe’s clumsy challenge on 22 minutes proved decisive as the visitors took the lead from the spot, although Jake Simpson and John Kennedy went close for Rovers.

Bowyer said: “The players are trying hard to turn things round at the moment. They need to keep working hard in terms of trying to create chances and stop giving away silly goals.

“We have shown this season we can perform, we need to get back to performing to the standards the players have set themselves.”