Loan Watch: Anderson strikes again

Anderson, who received a call-up to the Scotland Under-21 squad last week, has impressed during his time on loan with Joey Barton's side – his first spell away from St. James' Park.

The 19-year-old had scored one and registered two assists this term by the time the Gas welcomed Harrogate to the Memorial Stadium and he again stood out on Saturday, slaloming his way through the Railwaymen's backline before calmly slotting home Rovers' second of the afternoon.

His goal was sandwiched by two Aaron Collins efforts, meaning former Magpie Barton's men are now up to eighth in the League Two table – but it was Anderson's fine strike during another promising 90-minute showing which dominated the headlines.

Elsewhere, Joe White was also in action at the weekend, restored to the Hartlepool United line-up for their clash with Leyton Orient after being ineligible for their Papa John's Trophy defeat to Rotherham in midweek.

The United midfielder played the opening hour as Graeme Lee's charges were held to a goalless draw.

Jeff Hendrick's Queens Park Rangers continued their promotion push with a 2-1 win at Luton Town in the Championship – a result that lifts them to fourth. The Republic of Ireland international played 74 minutes at Kenilworth Road.

In Scotland, Oisin McEntee's Greenock Morton came from behind to beat Partick Thistle 2-1, with the young centre back playing the full 90 minutes in the Scottish Championship clash.

A handful of other Magpies didn't make it off the bench at the weekend, with Freddie Woodman watching Bournemouth's 2-0 Championship win over Derby County from the sidelines.

In League One, Jack Young didn't get a run-out in Wycombe's goalless draw with Rotherham, while Kell Watts was an unused substitute in Wigan's 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

And Matty Bondswell also watched on as Shrewsbury Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Oxford United in the third tier.

Photograph courtesy of JMP Sport