Job done

Newcastle reserves lengthened their lead at the top of the U21 Premier League Second Division on Monday night, after their fifth successive win in all competitions.

Goals from Gael Bigirimana, Callum Roberts and Jonathyn Quinn saw Peter Beardsley's side deservedly claim all three points at Leigh Sports Village - with coaches John Carver, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman in attendance.

Out of the first team picture for sixteen months despite United's current injury woes, Bigirimana provided a timely reminder of his free kick prowess on 18 minutes, after Bradley Bauress illegally halted Alex Gilliead's run.

The home side levelled in the 25th minute when a corner wasn't cleared and when nodded towards the far post, Sam Lavelle headed back across goal and in.

However that setback spurred United on and after saving efforts from Callum Roberts and Alex Gilliead in quick succession, Rovers 'keeper Ryan Crump was powerless to stop a low shot from Roberts after 29 minutes.

Newcastle's lead should have been extended two minutes before the break after Bigirimana and Gilliead linked up well to set up Jonathyn Quinn - but the striker stabbed his first time attempt wide when well placed.

And Rovers should have gone in at the break on level terms when a rare foray upfield ended with a ball pulled back to Hyuga Tanner in the box, only for the Australian youngster to sky his volley into the terrace behind.

Continuing to dominate possession, the Magpies went further ahead on the hour when a poor clearance fell to Bigirimana who teed up Quinn to send the 'keeper the wrong way and roll his shot into the empty net.

With the destination of the points decided, 17 year-old Sean Longstaff and 16 year-old Stefan Broccoli were called off the bench to make their competitive bows.

On a night of positives for the black and whites, Bigi posted a decent display with fellow midfielder Olivier Kemen to the fore and Greg Olley also catching the eye when pushing upfield from his right back berth. 

With defender Lubo Satka absent after joining up with the first team squad, Bigi and Dan Barlaser are the only two players to have appeared in all U21 league games so far.

Biffa