Peter Ramage's side fell behind in the closing stages of the second-half following George Chmeil's opener at United's Little Benton Academy before Crossley's volley in the dying seconds of the Under-18 Premier League North clash salvaged a point for the hosts.

The draw extended Newcastle's unbeaten run to five league matches, who remain in 13th place of the division with five fixtures remaining in the 2021/22 campaign.

Rovers created the first goalscoring opportunity of the encounter as Harley O'Grady met Chmeil's cross before the former's header rebounded off the foot of the post.

Newcastle's Lewis Miley went close to breaking the deadlock, striking the post before brother Jamie saw his rebound blocked inside the six-yard area before Blackburn forward Dominik Biniek saw an effort blocked on the line.

In the second half, Crossley - who scored on his under-23s debut against Crystal Palace in April 2021 - went close to notching his third league goal of the season as the 17-year-old winger fired into the side netting.

In the 82nd minute, Blackburn took the lead as Chmeil controlled Georgie Gent's pass before directing his strike past Newcastle goalkeeper Steven Bessent.

After Rovers' Ben Flyes struck the woodwork, Newcastle found themselves on level terms in the second minute of additional time as Crossley latched onto Harry Barclay's cross into the box before volleying the ball home.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Steven Bessent, Lucas Cooper, Joel Green, Jamie Miley, Harry Powell, Harry Barclay, Ben Parkinson (Jonny Emerson 36), Ellis Stanton (Callum McNally 74), James Huntley, Lewis Miley, Kyle Crossley.

Subs not used: Piotr Banda, Shaun Mavididi, Liam Chrystal.