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Beardsley Proud Despite Semi-Final Sevens Exit
Written by Newcastle Utd
Peter Beardsley was proud of his players' efforts as United lost in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens semi-finals
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Peter Beardsley was proud of his players' efforts as Newcastle United narrowly missed out on a final spot in the Hong Kong Football Club Citibank Soccer Sevens tournament.
The Magpies had stormed into the semi-finals with an unbeaten record, scoring six goals and conceding none from their four previous four group and knock-out games.
However, they came unstuck against West Ham in the final four, suffering a 3-1 defeat in which they had to play three-quarters of the match a man short following goalkeeper Adam Bartlett's sending-off.
Beardsley wasn't sure whether the stopper's foul warranted a straight red card and believes that decision made life very tough for the Magpies.
"We're disappointed, of course," Beardsley told nufc.co.uk.
"But we were unfortunate with the sending off. You can't legislate for referees and it happens.
"It was one of those where if you are West Ham you think it's a red card, and if you're Newcastle you think it should be a yellow.
"We were playing well and the lads did brilliantly to get back to 1-1 with a man short and on a pitch like this, but West Ham kept the ball well and created plenty of chances with their advantage.
"With all due respect, Dan (Barlaser) is not a goalkeeper but offered to put the gloves on and we thank him for that.
"It's a real shame because we wanted to get to the final, but it's one of those things and we will learn from it if we get invited back next year."