ACADEMY striker Jemal Johnson scored two cracking goals for Rovers reserves but still ended up on the losing side as Newcastle's Michael Chopra strolled off with the matchball.

Newcastle roared into a 2-0 lead only for Rovers to fight-back and make it 2-2.

But United's superior quality finally came through in the second half as they sealed the points in this goal-feast.

With 10 days to go before the transfer window closes, more than 25 scouts flocked to Morecambe's Christie Park in the hope of spotting a late bargain, including Bradford City boss Bryan Robson.

And several players caught the eye on the night as the goals rained in at both ends.

United fielded a side which contained the likes of Hugo Viana, Shola Ameobi, Darren Ambrose, Andy Griffin and Robbie Elliott, all players with first team experience.

And that was ultimately the difference between the two teams as a youthful Rovers side struggled to contain the lively Chopra and Ameobi.

United took the lead on 18 minutes when a mis-kick from Chopra fell kindly for Martin Brittain. The winger's cross-shot was valiantly blocked on the line by Gavin Peers but his attempted clearance struck John Fitzgerald and rebounded into the net.

Rovers then fell further behind in the 31st minute when Ameobi out-foxed two defenders on the left before crossing for Chopra to score from close-range.

Alan Murray's side could have lost all heart at that point but to their credit, they didn't.

Johnson pulled one back with a slick piece of finishing two minutes later.

A hopeful ball forward was flicked on by Matt Jansen for Johnson, who had managed to get goal-side of his marker, and the 19-year-old raced goalwards, confidently rounding Steve Harper, before stroking a cool finish into an unguarded net.

Rovers then made it 2-2 on 39 minutes. Ciaran Donnelly was hacked down in the box, following some wonderful footwork from Alan Mahon, and Neil Danns stepped up to confidently dispatch the penalty.

However, just before the break, Rovers' sleepy defence switched off for a second and allowed United to reagain the lead when Brittain's cross to the far post was tapped in by the unmarked Chopra.

The second half was virtually all United.

Ameobi made it 4-2 on 50 minutes when he scored from close-range after Rovers went to sleep again.

And three minutes later, Chopra effectively sealed the points when he pounced on a mistake from Gary Harkins to complete his hat-trick.

Johnson offered the home fans a brief glimmer of hope with a stunning 25 yarder which flashed past Harper into the far top corner.

But United continued to make all the running and after striking the bar in the final minute, Viana then added a sixth for the visitors 60 seconds later with a low drive from the edge of the box.

ROVERS: Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Danns, Taylor, Fitzgerald, Watt, Donnelly, Johnson, Jansen, Mahon. Subs: Harkins (for Watt, 51), Bruce (for Peers, 76), Barker (for Johnson, 88). Not Used: Byrom, Drench.

NEWCASTLE: Harper, Griffin, Elliott, Ramage, Caldwell, Orr, Brittain, Chopra, Ameobi, Viana, Ambrose. Subs: Not Used: Guy, Collin, Gate, Ferrell, O'Brien.

ROVERS RES 3

Scorers: Johnson (2), Danns (pen)

NEWCASTLE RES 6

Scorers: Chopra (3), Ameobi, Viana,

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