ROVERS' Academy players ended their season on a high note with a third place finish in an end of season tournament in Switzerland.

The Altstätten tournament is held every two years and Gary Bowyer took his young side back there to compete once again.

Starting off in a group of four teams, their first game against BSC Young Boys ended goalless. But against Slavia Sofia, Rovers scored four times in the forty minute match. Kris Paterson headed home Jon Bateson's centre to open the scoring, then Michael O'Connor drove home a left-footed effort.

John Kennedy converted from the spot after Alex Marrow had been brought down. A fourth goal against the Bulgarian's when Jack Brierley followed up a Kennedy effort that had struck the post.

The final group game saw Rovers take on Brondby, but the Danes clinched the victory and topped the table with a 2-0 win.

With a second place finish in their group Rovers took on Brazilian side America FC in the semi-finals, but they went down 1-0. America FC went on to defeat Brondby 3-0 in the final.

That meant Rovers had a third place play-off against St Gallen, but the Swiss were no match as Rovers were victorious 1-0 thanks to a well-taken free-kick from Jack Brierley.

"It was a really good tournament of a high standard to be involved in," said under 18s Gary Bowyer. "We probably had the youngest squad taking part and we put in some pleasing performances.

"The trip will be a great learning experience for the lads, playing against sides from different countries with different styles should prove invaluable."