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
Rovers get away with one
Louis Jones plays the ball short to Bobby Faulkner, whose pass forward is blocked by a Newcastle attacker. The ball runs away from the Rovers defender and hits the post before going out for a goal kick.
Double chance for Rovers
First Tavonga Kuleya gets on the end of Jack Goodman’s flick-on but his effort is beaten away by the keeper. The ball lands at the feet of Jon Taylor, who takes a touch and sends the ball just over the bar.
Newcastle player booked
Nathan Carlyon is shown a yellow card for a meaty tackle on Liam Ravenhill, who reacts by squaring up to him.
Newcastle team news
Joe White, Jude Smith, Alex Murphy and Charlie Mcarthur all boast experience at first-team level.
TEN changes for Doncaster Rovers
Starting XI: Louis Jones, Charlie Seaman, Bobby Faulkner, Adam Long, James Maxwell, Jon Taylor, Liam Ravenhill, Jack Degruchy, Tavonga Kuleya, Kieran Agard (captain), Jack Goodman
Bench: Jonathan Mitchell, Luke Molyneux, Kyle Hurst, Jack Whiting, Charlie Petch, Jack Raper, Alex Fletcher
Papa Johns prize money
Perhaps the biggest appeal of this competition is the prize money on offer. Doncaster will receive £20,000 for participating and £10,000 per win in the group stage.
They will also get £5,000 for a draw and there’s more cash on offer if they qualify from the group.
All in, the winners of the tournament could bank £260,000 in prize money alone.
Good evening
Whatever you think of the competition tonight provides a good opportunity for plenty of Doncaster’s young players as well as those connected with their opponents, Newcastle United.
We’re expecting the likes of Bobby Faulkner, Jack Degruchy and Liam Ravenhill to be involved as well as a few senior pro’s such as Jon Taylor. Luke Molyneux is also here tonight and you might also expect minutes for people like Kieran Agard and Adam Long.
A reminder: should the game end in a draw after 90 minutes there will be a penalty shoot-out to determine who wins a bonus point.