Beardsley Pleased With United Endeavour

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor


Peter Beardsley was pleased with his side's application against Swansea City on Monday, even though the Magpies were held to a draw at Whitley Park.

Newcastle took a 61st-minute lead through Ivan Toney's second goal in two Barclays Under-21 Premier League games but conceded a penalty four minutes later.

Oliver McBurnie converted from the spot to leave United still looking for their first win of the season at second-string level, but Beardsley took plenty of heart from an afternoon which saw Sylvain Marveaux make his comeback from injury.

Beardsley told nufc.co.uk: "I thought our effort and endeavour was fantastic and, especially in the second half, we played really well.

"Once Ivan scored we think we're going to win the game but unfortunately we gave away a penalty - and it was a penalty, we've got no complaints.

"I think 'Gippa' (Liam Gibson) thought he could get the ball and obviously couldn't, but when you look at how long he's been out for, it was just a timing issue."

It was only Gibson's second appearance of the season following a long spell on the sidelines due to illness and Beardsley added: "Normally he would tackle really well but the big plus for him is that he got probably 75 minutes, and Jamie Sterry coming back was another positive.

"As I've often said, it's nice to win but it's not always about winning and I thought the kids were great today.

"It was nice for Rob Elliot to get a run out and Sylvain played for 45 minutes, which was always the plan because he'd been out for a while."

Newcastle's next Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixture is not until Friday, 16th October, when they travel to Fulham, but Beardsley said: "We'll try and get a couple of friendlies in. We'll probably try and play a couple of local teams.

"We're down to the bare bones at the moment but hopefully Lubo (Satka) won't be far away along with Smithy (Liam Smith), Adam Laidler and big Tom Heardman."