BLACKBURN Rovers reserves drew 0-0 at their Newcastle counterparts this afternoon.

Boss Gary Bowyer made three changes to the youthful side who narrowly lost 1-0 at Manchester United this week.

Defender Peter Wylie replaced Adam Henley, Jack O’Connell came in for Ryan Edwards and Jamie Maclaren was preferred to Robbie Cotton.

Rovers enjoyed the better of the first half but, having failed to take their opportunities, it was Newcastle who could have edged the win by the end.

Maclaren fired the first chance of the game just wide, before Nick Blackman shot over the bar from the edge of the area soon after.

Osayamen Osawe was inches away from an opener for the visitors, while Myles Anderson saw a looping header cleared off the line by the hosts.

Rovers goalkeeper Jake Kean enjoyed a quiet first 45 minutes but was called into action towards the end of the half, saving Dan Taylor’s close range effort.

After the break Maclaren went close again, firing just wide, while at the other end Anthony O’Connor headed a Greg McDermott header off the line as Newcastle threatened to take the lead.

Kean then saved well again from Taylor, while Ryan McGorrigan and Ryan Donaldson squandered chances for the hosts.

Curtis Haley headed at Newcastle keeper Jak Alnwick late on, before seeing a close range shot saved by him at the death as the side had to settle for the hard fought point.