BLACKBURN Rovers are through to the semi-finals of the U21s Premier League Cup after a brilliant 1-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park tonight.

Striker Dean Rittenberg's 21st-minute goal was enough to send Eric Kinder's side, which featured returning first-team full-back Tommy Spurr, through to the last four.

But Newcastle, who had Olivier Kemen sent off in injury-time, could have had no complaints had only their second defeat of the season been greater.