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Toon Trio Receive Beardsley Praise
Written by Newcastle Utd
Reserve team manager Peter Beardsley hails the influence of Tim Krul, Danny Guthrie and Shefki Kuqi in their Arsenal win
By Anthony Marshall
Peter Beardsley paid tribute to Newcastle Reserves' senior stars as they helped guide the Magpies to a 2-1 win over Arsenal at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
While it was two youngsters - Greg McDermott and Phil Airey - who grabbed the goals for United, the experienced trio of goalkeeper Tim Krul, midfielder Danny Guthrie, and front man Shefki Kuqi more than played their part in the victory.
"They were outstanding in terms of effort," said reserve boss Beardsley.
"Danny and Shefki's energy was incredible, and then Tim Krul obviously made some important saves.
"We had three brilliant players there in attitude, enthusiasm and ability. It was first class, and the first team manager (Alan Pardew) would have been delighted with what he saw.
"The win is a bonus, but we played some good football, especially in the first half."
Kuqi missed a first half penalty for Newcastle, having been bundled over in the box.
And Beardsley could sympathise with the big striker, saying: "It's frustrating for him (Kuqi) because he wanted to take it to get his first goal for the club.
"Phil Airey would normally take them, but Shefki took it an unfortunately it wasn't to be.
"I don't worry about that though - the sad thing is I have missed a lot myself so I can't even give him any stick about it!"