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Tav's On Target
Written by Newcastle Utd
James Tavernier talks goals and first team experience after finding the back of the net in the Sage Northumberland FA Senior Cup final
By Anthony Marshall
No-one can take James Tavernier's cup final goal away from him, however hard his teammates may try.
The teenage defender fired a first half shot into the top corner from 25 yards as Newcastle Reserves eased to a 4-0 win over Blyth Spartans in the Sage Northumberland FA Senior Cup final on Tuesday night at St. James' Park.
And while the strike may have taken a deflection on the way through, Tavernier is taking all the credit.
"I've scored a few goals in my time but not like that," said the youngster, who was lining up at left-back for Peter Beardsley's side.
"The lads were trying to say it was an own goal afterwards, but it was my shot and it was on target so it's definitely my goal.
"I was just happy to score though and help us get the win. It was pretty comfortable in the end. We just moved the ball quick and could have still done more, but we were just happy to get the win in the end and lift the trophy - that was the main thing.
"You want to win silverware whatever the level and we were delighted to do that."
Since returning from a loan spell at Blue Square Premier outfit Gateshead in March, Tavernier has been in and around the first team picture, finding himself among the substitutes in recent weeks.
And while he is yet to get off the bench for a Premier League appearance, the defender is loving the experience.
"I'll find out on Friday if I'm in the squad (for Chelsea on Sunday), but I'll have my fingers crossed and I'll be hoping I am," he explained.
"It's been a great couple of months, being called back from Gateshead and being involved in the first team squad and then on the bench.
"It's great experience and hopefully it continues. I've now got to try and push through pre-season and try to impress next year."