TOP-SCORER Lewis Mansell celebrated his first international call-up by firing in-form Blackburn Rovers Academy to a 2-0 Under-18s Premier League victory at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Mansell, who will link up with Wales U19s for a three-day training camp next week, bagged a second-half brace as Billy Barr’s side made it three triumphs on the trot and extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

“It wasn’t our most fluid of performances,” said Ian Jones, who is assistant to Rovers boss Barr.

“We were decent as a group defensively but we were wasteful in possession and rode our luck at times.

“We’ve done well in our away games. Newcastle is always a tricky away game due to the travelling needed but it was a good result.

“It is nice to keep the run going, the morale and togetherness of the group is good, but there is still plenty of work to be done.”

Mason Fawns went closest for Rovers in the first half when he hit the bar before Andy Fisher made two saves to keep Newcastle out at the start of the second.

But the deadlock was broken on the hour mark when Mansell scored from the spot after Fawns was tripped in the box.

And the striker sealed Rovers’ fourth successive away win with a fine solo goal late on which took his tally for the season up to 10.

Second-placed Rovers welcome West Brom to Brockhall on Saturday (11am). All supporters are welcome.