Pools Academy showed an impressive display at Doncaster with 14 first-year scholars in the squad of 16, but despite producing the better chances, came away empty handed.
Doncaster started the game in the ascendency and Harry Conyard made a good reaction save down to his left.
Meanwhile, Kian Foreman found some room just outside the box and got a shot off which didn’t trouble the home custodian on the 10 minute mark.
Both teams had equal territory on a very difficult pitch before Foreman latched onto a Conyard pass but was unable to lob the on rushing home keeper.
Lincoln Pawlak’s diagonal pass put Jacob Penprase in, who saw his effort go narrowly past the post after a late block from a Doncaster defender.
Doncaster hit the outside of the post on 55 minutes from a free-kick but at the other end, Ashton Wood and Penprase worked together to set Foreman, who put his shot over the Rovers goal.
From the resulting goal kick, Foreman pressed and turned the ball over, forcing the keeper into a good save low down.
Missed chances would cost Pools as Rhomani Murray broke the deadline for Doncaster on 71 minutes, firing home a rebound after a strong initial save from Conyard.
Pools keeper Conyard was given a straight red card in the 80 minute for handling outside his box, leaving Pools with 10 men for the remaining stages.
Jack Wallace had two late chances for Pools, but Alex Cross’ side were unable to bring a point home for their efforts.
“It was an excellent display from the players who battled for each other on a tough surface,” stated Cross at full time.
“Other than Harry’s early save and the goal conceded, we defended superbly as a collective. We produced enough chances to win the game and where the ball has fallen kind for them with the goal, it just didn’t fall for us at the end of the game.
“It was pleasing to see the commitment levels from all the players. The endeavour and combative nature meant a lot of them won their battles, a big improvement on the Chesterfield game.
“Attention now turns to facing Grimsby Town next week at home.”
