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Watson: "We Were Outclassed"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Dave Watson felt United under-18s' 4-1 defeat at Liverpool was a fair reflection on the game
By Dominic Scurr
Under-18s coach Dave Watson admitted his Newcastle United side were "outclassed" during Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Liverpool.
The former Everton centre-back felt the scoreline was a fair reflection of a game that saw the Magpies spend long periods camped in their own half.
"Overall Liverpool were the far stronger team and deserved to win," he told nufc.co.uk.
"We were outclassed at times, which made it difficult because it meant we were on the back foot for most of the game.
"I can't fault our effort but it was just one of those cases where you have to hold your hands up and say you were beaten by the better team."
Despite another disappointing result, Watson was still able to take some positives back to Tyneside, however.
"We did some good stuff during the game," he continued.
"We had a very good 20-minute spell before half-time that almost saw us get back into it, and I thought there were enough positive aspects of our play to be pleased with.
"Lewis Suddick took his goal well and I thought Owen Gallacher and Callum Smith were dangerous and caused their full-backs problems at times.
"At this level it's all about development, so you can always say a loss is potentially a good learning experience for the players.
"It allows them to go away, analyse their performance and work on things to help them improve and develop as footballers.
"No one wants to lose but when you do, you have to make sure you go away, reflect on the game and come back stronger for the next match."