Rovers' under 18s kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

The visitors to Brockhall were on top early doors, goalkeeper Josh Swann making two important saves to keep the Magpies at bay.

Last week's goal hero Jason Banton was again in fine goalscoring form, robbing his man on 23 minutes he advanced on goal before finishing with a flourish.

With a lead to defend Rovers did just that, but Newcastle got back on level terms on 69 minutes when Brad Inman fired in off the post to beat Swann.

But four minutes later Rovers were back in the lead. Michael Potts curling in a fantastic effort that would prove to be the winner.

The lead could have been increased further but James Knowles crashed a shot off the crossbar.

Newcastle pressed for a late leveller, but the Rovers defence held strong for their third win out of four matches.

After the game under 18s coach Gary Bowyer said: "The players have displayed a tremendous desire to keep getting better and this was shown in the performance on Saturday against a very strong, and a lot older, Newcastle team.

"Everybody that is coming into the side at the moment are all working towards the same aim which is to get better.

"We were delighted with the first starts for Dami Ajagbe and Matty Pearson, which shows what the players are about at the moment, the competiion amongst the squad is good."

The under 18s travel to Derby County next weekend.

ROVERS: Swann, Ramm, Ajagbe, Morrissey, Pearson, O'Connor, Evans, Knowles, Potts, Hitchcock, Banton.

Subs not used: Vastić, Urwin, James, Murray, Morris.