After a tight stalemate at the Eco-Power Stadium, with Kyle Crossley hitting the post for the young Magpies during the 90 minutes, Jay Turner-Cooke was denied in the shoot-out by Doncaster goalkeeper Louie Jones before Alex Murphy's spot-kick cannoned off the woodwork.

Doncaster successfully converted all four of their penalties, with Kieran Agard netting the winning spot-kick to secure a bonus point for the League Two outfit, currently occupying third place in the English fourth tier.

Newcastle's youngsters headed into the Northern Section Group E encounter aiming to end a ten-game winless streak in the competition and take inspiration from the club's impressive run to the last-16 in 2018/19, which involved facing Sunderland in front of over 16,000 spectators at the Stadium of Light.

Elliott Dickman made one change from the side which claimed a convincing 4-0 win against Derby County's second-string in the Premier League 2 on Friday as Jordan Hackett, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up from Tottenham Hotspur last month, replaced Matt Bondswell at left-back.

Newcastle goalkeeper Jude Smith, who joined the Magpies' Academy from Scottish League Two side East Fife this month, was forced into early action as the 19-year-old Scotsman beat away Tavonga Kuleya's powerful strike before Jon Taylor's rebound was fired over the bar.

Kyle Crossley, who netted a brace against Derby last week, went close to opening the scoring in fortunate fashion as the 18-year-old blocked Bobby Faulkner's pass before the ball ricocheted onto the outside of the left-hand post. 

Dylan Stephenson, another to score twice against the Rams' second-string, latched onto Crossley's cross-field pass before lashing his effort wide of the target.

Joe White, who spent the second-half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Hartlepool United, attempted an audacious long-range lob but the 19-year-old midfielder's shot was directed over the crossbar. 

Crossley went close to sending the visitors in front before the half-time break as the Murton-born teenager, who signed his first professional contract this summer, let fly from the edge of the box but the forward's curling effort was saved by Jones.

In the final minute of the opening half, Turner-Cooke saw a clever chip tipped over his own crossbar by Jones.

Doncaster's Adam Long nearly paid for United's misfortunes in front of goal in the second-half but the defender's header, from Luke Molyneux's in-swinging free-kick, flew over the bar.

Faulkner produced a vital touch to prevent Michael Ndiweni, who joined the Magpies' Academy at the age of 12, turning the ball home from close-range following Nathan Carlyon's teasing low cross from the right wing.

Smith produced a vital stop to keep the clash on level terms as the Coatbridge-born shot-stopper got down low and quickly to turn the ball past the far post with his fingertips before, minutes later, Stephenson saw a key effort in front of goal saved by Jones.

With the contest heading straight to a penalty shoot-out after the full-time whistle, Remi Savage and Kyle Crossley calmly scored the young Magpies' first two penalties before Turner-Cooke saw his attempt saved by Jones, who guessed the correct way to push away the 18-year-old's strike.

Murphy, who joined the Magpies from hometown club Galway United in July, then crashed his spot-kick off the woodwork, leaving Agard to dispatch his attempt from 12 yards and secure a further point for Rovers.

Newcastle United Under-21s turn their attention to Premier League 2 action on Friday, 9th September when they take on their Aston Villa counterparts at Villa Park (kick-off 7pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-21s: Jude Smith, Nathan Carlyon, Remi Savage (c), Alex Murphy, Jordan Hackett, James Huntley, Jay Turner-Cooke, Joe White (Lewis Miley 74), Dylan Stephenson, Kyle Crossley, Michael Ndiweni (Josh Scott 74).

Subs not used: Will Brown, Niall Brookwell, Santiago Muñoz, Charlie Wiggett, Charlie McArthur.