ROVERS clawed back a two-goal deficit to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at Newcastle RUFC's Kingston Park.

First half goals from Brian Kerr and teen sensation Lomana Tresor Lua Lua put Newcastle in the driving seat only for Rovers to show great character to fight back.

Goals from Jeff Kenna, Keith Gillespie -- playing in the centre of midfield -- and Damien Johnson secured the points for Rovers.

Rovers' transfer-listed keeper Alan Kelly was beaten from outside his box by a low shot from Kerr on 20 minutes.

And Lua Lua showed some of the skill that convinced Bobby Robson to part with £2million earlier this seasonm when he beat Marlon Broomes to the byline and fired past Kelly from a tight angle.

Rovers won a free kick on the edge of the area just minutes after the break when Kerr was adjudged to have gone in high on Gillespie.

Darren Dunning rolled the ball into the path of Kenna for the full-back to blast the ball past Newcastle keeper John Karelse.

Gillespie pulled Rovers level with a dipping free kick which dipped just under the bar.

And Johnson secured the points in the 75th minute when he beat Gary Caldwell to the ball to convert Johnson's right-wing cross.