3mins O'Keefe volley 0-1

Half time: Newcastle 0 Rovers 1

50mins Ranger shot 1-1

90mins Doninger penalty 2-1

Full time: Newcastle 2 Rovers 1

Stand-in coach Richard Money said:

"I thought the lads were excellent tonight, the win was exactly what the lads deserved.

"We've gone a goal down early on and it was a bit of a shaky start. But after that we settled down very well and competed for every ball.

"I must say I was pleased with every single one of our lads tonight and the late winner was just reward for their hard work. It'll do wonders for their confidence and hopefully we can build on that.

"Joe (Kinnear) was in the crowd tonight and there were a lot of plus points for him."

One week after the futility of a Central League tie against Sheffield United, Richard Money picked a stronger reserve side and was rewarded as the Magpies recorded their first win of the season. 

A controversial injury-time penalty from Mark Doninger ensured the points stayed in Toon, after Ryan Donaldson was upended on the edge of the area.

The visitors had gone ahead within three minutes of kickoff after a free kick from the left into the United box wasn't dealt with and Josh O'Keefe netted from 6 yards.

Rovers also hit the bar, but at the other end Newcastle came close to scoring themselves - notably through  Donaldson and Jonny Godsmark, plus an unwitting effort from a visiting defender that was blocked.

Newcastle levelled five minutes after half time however thanks to a solo effort from Nile Ranger, the striker bursting into the box and finding the net from ten yards to register his first club goal at this level.

As the rain got heavier, both sides created more chances - although Krul was the busier of the two 'keepers and Rovers again hit the woodwork.

Ranger had his best game to date but the nearest United came to a goal was when the striker turned provider to set up Mark Doninger for a volleyed effort from distance that flashed narrowly wide.

In added time though, Donaldson's run was halted by Rovers 'keeper Bjorn Bussmann and the linesman close by indicated a penalty, much to the disgust of the visitors.

With a group of players showing anything but respect to the referee and linesman, only one yellow card was shown - but a few others were candidates for their verbals.

Amid ongoing grumbles, Doninger then stepped up to fire home his first of the season, with his side holding out for the remaining two minutes to claim the three points.  

Biffa

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