Newcastle's second string ended their 2016 programme with just one loss in ten league and cup outings - but struggled to take a point from the Millers in a Central League Cup tie on Tuesday. 

Facing Rotherham at the Roundwood Pavilion home of local non-league side Parkgate FC, the Magpies opened slowly but took a 14th minute lead.

Liam Smith had stabbed his shot wide moments earlier after Callum Roberts set him up, but when a second chance presented itself from Liam Gibson's pass down the left flank Smith slotted home without any fuss.

The hosts were level just three minutes later though, breaking upfield after a bungled Toon free-kick before Ben Wiles beat goalkeeper Nathan Harker with a low effort from the edge of the area.

Over-elaboration when attempting to play the ball out of defence continually cost Newcastle possession and they were ultimately punished in the 68th minute.

A cross from the Rotherham left was met by Fabian Bailey, who placed a glancing header just inside the back post.

Newcastle didn't learn their lesson though and within two minutes a carbon copy move almost saw them concede - Jerry Yates this time planting his header against the post.

Rotherham's purple patch continued with striker Kuda Muskwe blazing over the crossbar from close range when a third goal could have been decisive.

The home side would soon rue that miss though, Callum Roberts levelling when he found space just outside the box before driving in his sixth goal of the season.

Smith and substitute Owen Gallacher then both came agonisingly close to winning it for the Magpies in the closing moments, but a draw was a fairer outcome.

There were reserve team debuts for Lewis Cass and substitute Thomas Allan and a quick check of the i-spy book of NUFC groundhopping confirms this was the first visit to this venue, but the third different venue that the Millers second string have hosted the Magpies at in our presence; their former home of Millmoor and the now-demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield.

This was the third of Newcastle's four group stage games in this season's Central League Cup competition, following a 0-2 home loss to Sheffield United and a 5-1 win over Hartlepool. 

Their last tie is away to Bradford City early next year, but as to what then happens in terms of how many sides qualify and what then happens to them, your guess is as good as ours, with no format officially published.

Biffa