Newcastle's opening tie in this season's Checkatrade Trophy saw them overcome League One Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Making four changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Peterborough on Saturday, the hosts had the ball in the United net after just three minutes only for John Marquis to be denied by a linesman's flag. 

The Magpies broke the deadlock on 14 minutes when Sean Longstaff's pass allowed Thomas Allan to nip between a Rovers defender and goalkeeper before slotting home into an empty net.   

Play was unable to resume, Tommy Rowe replaced after sustaining an injury trying to prevent the opening goal - and the goal net that he damaged in that attempt also requiring repair. Rovers were then forced into another change when Mitchell Lund was unable to continue on 33 minutes.

An additional nine minutes were played due to the earlier delay and in the seventh of those Rovers drew level, Marquis making progress down the right before beating Nathan Harker with a cross-shot.

Into the second half and the home side continued to press, Herbie Kane shaving the post with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Newcastle though were next to strike, Sean Longstaff's surging 65th minute run leading to him releasing substitute Adam Wilson, whose left wing cross was side-footed in by Callum Roberts from 12 yards.

The Magpies then came close to a third when Owen Bailey's half volley just cleared the Rovers crossbar following a deflected cross from Roberts.

However, clear daylight between the teams arrived with four minutes to play, Elias Sorensen neatly tucking Matty Longstaff's inch-perfect ball under the 'keeper.

Rolando Aarons travelled with the squad and was named in the original starting XI but then almost immediately withdrawn, amidst speculation that he could depart on loan to a Bulgarian side (their own transfer window not closing until Thursday). 

Mo Sangare's appearance on the bench meanwhile would seem to indicate that he's not taken up the opportunity offered to him to play for Liberia.

This is Newcastle's second season in the competition, one of 16 invited teams from the Premier League and Championship - each of which three League One and Two sides in a group of four.

We're in Group G along with League One Doncaster and League Two duo Grimsby Town and Notts County. Each side meets the other once, with our ties all away. Our side is designated as U21 but with some allowances for over-aged players to feature.

The Magpies failed to progress from the First Round last season, winning at Crewe Alexandra but then losing at both Port Vale and Oldham Athletic.

Niall MacKenzie