ROVERS' two Academy teams signed off for Christmas with a feast of goals at the weekend as they kept up the pressure at the top of their respective leagues.

Rob Kelly's Under 19s staged a thrilling fightback to emerge triumphant following a seven-goal thriller against Huddersfield at Brockhall.

And the excitement of that game was matched by Ian Miller's Under 17s who beat Newcastle 6-4 in another astonishing clash on home soil.

Ciaran Donnelly had fired the Under 19s into a 1-0 lead but Huddersfield then seized control of proceedings and surged into a 3-1 half-time lead.

But a second half fight-back inspired by Jerome Watt prompted a complete turnaround again as Rovers eventually ran out 4-3 winners with Watt, Paul Gallagher and Anthony Martin the men on the scoresheet.

"It was a victory for character and resilience," said Kelly.

"Individually, we didn't do too well but collectively we stuck at it, scored from set-pieces and battled for the win."

That result ensured Rovers stayed at the top of their group and the Under 17s are currently sitting pretty in second position in their table, too, following their latest win.

Ian Miller's team were leading 4-1 at one point and looked to be cruising but Newcastle then staged a dramatic comeback and got it back to 5-4 at one point before Rovers added a sixth late on.

Andy Reid led the way with a hat-trick and there were further goals for Peter Corvino (2) and Keith Barker.