Manager Kevin Hodges was delighted with the performance of the younger players in his side tonight as Rovers Reserves registered a 2-1 win against Forest Green Rovers.

Andy Williams had put Rovers ahead in the first half, but Forest Green equalised with six minutes remaining and looked to have snatched a point before Charlie Clough popped up with the winning goal in time added on to seal a deserved victory.

"Over the last few weeks we have been experimenting, and finding things out about some of the younger players, and the fact that they have responded so well is very rewarding," Kevin told bristolrovers.co.uk.

"Tonight we put Reeko Best, a young 15-year-old, in the starting line-up and it's massive learning curve and a big step up for him.

"I saw him a few weeks ago, at the exit trials at Lilleshall, and he was outstanding that day. He's not the biggest of lads but he's very, very quick and so we gave him a chance on the right of midfield tonight.

"There was praise, also, for central defenders Alex Kite and James Tyrrell.

"James is only 17 years old and played very well. He's possibly one that has a good future at the club. He's a big, strong lad, and mobile with it and I thought that he and Alex did very well tonight, especially as they were up against an experienced striker in Stuart Fleetwood and they contained him very well."

The central midfield duo of James Fraser and Charlie Clough were also a threat.

"James Fraser was back with us after spending three months on loan at Tiverton," said Kevin, "Their manager, Martyn Rogers, has been very pleased with him and he's played consistently well for them. It's been an invaluable three months for him and his game has improved a great deal since he's been out on loan.'

"Tonight he and Charlie Clough did very well in midfield and showed a lot of energy, and that's what we wanted. They are very fit lads, and very competitive. For a 17-year-old, Charlie has a lot of potential and his perseverance led to our late winner.

"If there were any disappointments tonight it was that we didn't create too many chances in the second half, some of our passing was a little bit sloppy, and we seemed to lose concentration in the closing stages when we allowed them to get back on level terms.

"That said, our workrate and endeavour was very good and we persevered and managed to get the winner right at the end.

"I think, on the balance of play, that we probably just about deserved our win and there were many positives to come out of the game with the performances of some of the younger players."