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Watson Hails Youngsters' Character
Written by Newcastle Utd
Dave Watson hailed his side's character after Newcastle United Under-18s won 3-2 at Blackburn Rovers
By Tom Easterby
Dave Watson hailed his side's character after Newcastle United Under-18s won 3-2 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The former England defender had seen his young troops slip to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of his former club Everton last weekend, having picked up four points from their previous two Barclays Under-18 Premier League fixtures to recover from an early-season slump in form.
But, seemingly unaffected by the loss to the Toffees, a Sean Longstaff-inspired United saw off the challenge of Brian Carey's Rovers to record a hard-fought away win.
"The lads gave a good reaction after last week's defeat, so that was great," Watson told nufc.co.uk.
"We were well beaten by Everton but we're still creating chances and that's good for us. It's what it's like at this level - there's going to be goals and some weeks you'll get beaten and you'll learn along the way, but it was a good reaction from the lads to get the win after last week."
Substitute Joe Kerridge netted what proved to be the winner at the Leigh Sports Village, having smashed home a free-kick against the Blues last weekend after coming off the bench.
And under-18 coach Watson was delighted with the impact made by the left-sided midfielder.
"Joe came on again because we had to make substituitoon when Jack Hunter got smashed in the face and got a bit of a swollen eye, so we couldn't take any chances with him," he explained.
"Joe came on after about 20 minutes. He did well and contributed with a goal just like he did last week, so that was great for Joe and great for us as well."
After overcoming injury to grab a hat-trick against Wallsend Boys Club for the under-21s recently, former Arsenal man Stefan Broccoli made his first appearance of the season at under-18 level.
Playing at the base of the midfield diamond, Broccoli played the full 90 minutes and Watson spoke highly of the 16-year-old's contribution in what was his first game back with his side.
"He's had a few run-outs for the under-21s against local sides recently and he's given a good account of himself in those games, to be fair," Watson explained.
"He played well for us on Saturday as well - his attitude is great."