Half time: Blackburn 0 Magpies 0

51 mins Mols header 0-1

75 mins Nuttall shot 0-2

Full time: Blackburn 2 Magpies 

It's now three defeats in seven days for the U23s, who were unable prevent Rovers moving to within one point of the Premier League 2 Division Two title on Monday. 

The home side dominated proceedings in the first half at the Leyland home of the Lancashire FA, hitting a post after just seven minutes through Joe Nuttall and creating a handful of other chances.

However they quickly made a breakthrough after the interval, when a Jack Evans centre from the left flank picked out Stefan Mols in the 51st minute. The Spanish youngster marked his return to the side following a long-term injury by heading past Nathan Harker and in at the back post.

Ironically that came moments after United's only real sight of goal, when a solo run from Dan Barlaser saw him evade several challenges but couldn't steer his shot past goalkeeper Andrew Fisher.

Rovers striker Nuttall wasn't to be denied though and doubled his side's advantage with a 75th minute, converting a Lewis Travis cross from the right. 

The prolific Nuttall then had another effort ruled out for offside before full time on a night when Newcastle offered virtually no offensive threat.

Avoiding defeat against title rivals Aston Villa at Ewood Park on Monday will ensure that Rovers collect both the championship trophy and promotion.

For Newcastle things are rather less rosy; beaten for the seventh successive time in the league and with only West Bromwich Albion beneath them in the table.

No less than nine of their thirteen losses this season have been to reserve sides of Championship or League One clubs - underscoring that we continue to punch well below our weight.