LIVE updates as Doncaster Rovers take on Newcastle United under-21s
and live on Freeview channel 276
Rovers boss Gary McSheffrey has pledged to make plenty of changes for this evening’s fixture while staying within the rules of the competition, which state EFL clubs must field at least four outfield ‘qualifying players’.
That essentially means first-team regulars, so expect to see several familiar faces as well as development players and youth team prospects.
Scroll down for live updates.
Doncaster Rovers v Newcastle United Under-21s LIVE
Key Events
- Rovers to make numerous changes for first game of Papa Johns Trophy group stage
- The young Magpies are one of 16 Category One academies invited to enter an under-21 side into this season’s competition
- Newcastle’s youngsters made the last-16 of the EFL Trophy in 2018/19
Molyneux fires over
He takes a ball fom Maxwell and drives forward, beating several defenders before trying his luck from range. But it goes over. Game opening up a little with six minutes of normal time left.
Rovers have the ball in the net
But it’s offside. Luke Molyneux, who has switched to the left-hand side, crossed for Kieran Agard, who was flagged off before his shot hit Jude Smith. Jack Raper follows up and converts a few seconds after the whistle had gone.
Chance for Hurst
A moment of quality sees Molyneux find Hurst with a nice flick - he bears down on goal and fires one in low, but it’s tipped wide.
Vital interception from Faulkner
He gets in to intercept a cross with a Newcastle attacker lying in wait less than six yards out.
Best chance yet for Doncaster
Luke Molyneux swings a free-kick in from the left-hand side and it’s met by an onrushing Adam Long, but he can’t keep his bullet header under the bar.
Unlucky.
Chance for Rovers
Tavonga Kuleya should score. Kyle Hurst hangs a cross up at the far post but the winger can’t find his feet and apply the finish and ends up flapping at it. That’s his third chance of the night.