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Beardsley Proud Of Defensive Character
Written by Newcastle Utd
Peter Beardsley was proud of his players after United's under-21s ground out a draw at home against Bolton
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Peter Beardsley was proud of his players after table-topping Newcastle United Under-21s ground out a 1-1 draw at home against Bolton on Monday night.
Despite taking an 11th-minute lead through Jonas Gutierrez and dominating the first period, the Magpies were dealt a blow at half-time through the loss of centre-back Macaulay Gillesphey to injury.
It meant a reshuffle to an already under-strength backline, as United ended up with Gutierrez and fellow midfielder Olivier Kemen in full-back roles, and Davide Santon taking up an unfamiliar position in the centre of their defence.
Sanmi Odelusi levelled for Bolton early in the second half but Newcastle's makeshift rearguard then held firm under some heavy pressure, to leave Beardsley happy with a share of the spoils.
"It was probably a fair score, based on the game as a whole," the Football Development Manager told nufc.co.uk.
"We probably had the better of the first half and they had the better of the second.
"We weren't helped by the fact we had lost defenders. We didn't have a right-back, so Olivier was playing in there, and then Macaulay got injured and had to come off at half-time.
"Jonas went to left-back and Davide in at centre-back - we had run out of players in defensive areas - and because of that Bolton then put us under pressure in our half.
"But I thought we stood up to the challenge really well and showed a lot of character in difficult circumstances.
"We've had a brilliant start to the season and the lads are really disappointed with a draw, which is a sign of just how well we are doing.
"I told them to not be too down. We are still unbeaten at home and have only lost one game all season. Overall, they have done really well."
Beardsley was full of praise for goalscorer and captain Gutierrez, who led by example with his long range strike that curled perfectly into the top corner.
"It was a brilliant goal from Jonas and he looked physically strong - he was outstanding," said Beardsley.
"You wouldn't have believed he was a left-back in the second half because he was almost playing as a winger as well.
"I was really pleased for him and I think he is feeling really good and really strong. He has been a great help to our younger lads and we love having him in the team."