Newcastle U23s lost their unbeaten Premier League 2 home record this season at the eighth time of asking, ending the game with just ten men after taking a first half lead.

Playing at the Little Benton home of the Academy, United almost went ahead on eight minutes, when Liam Gibson's cross reached an offside-looking Haris Vuckic, but his weak header drifted wide.

Peter Beardsley's side took the lead in the 28th minute when Yasin Ben El-Mhanni rifled a shot into the top left hand corner from just inside the box.

Rovers got back on terms just two minutes later when Daniel Butterworth scored with a similar effort after Rob Elliot's kicked clearance was intercepted.

Rovers' goalkeeper, Josh Powell, was penalised for picking up a backpass on 38 minutes but the free-kick from point-blank range and follow-up were blocked.

The visitors went in front in the 71st minute when Butterworth got his second with a powerful low shot from the edge of the box.

Magpies defender Stuart Findlay was sent off in the 83rd minute for his second bookable offence when he pulled back Stefan Mols to prevent a breakaway.

Despite that though, ten-man United pushed on in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find a way past visiting 'keeper Joshua Powell - who was booked for time-wasting.

Despite the loss, the U23s remain third in the Division 2 table and in contention for a promotion playoff spot. 

The bottom two sides from Division 1 are relegated, to be replaced by the Division 2 champions and playoff winners - the latter decided between the sides that finish second, third, fourth and fifth.

Second hosts fifth and third hosts fourth in a one-off game, with the winners then meeting in a one-off game to determine the second side to be promoted.

Biffa