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Modest Mackenzie At The Double
Written by Newcastle Utd
Mackenzie Heaney refused to take all the plaudits for his match-winning brace, as United under-18s beat Brighton
By Austin Orton
Modest Mackenzie Heaney refused to take all the plaudits for his match-winning brace, as Newcastle United Under-18s beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday.
The England Under-17 international struck twice in the second half at Little Benton to end a run of nine competitive games without a victory.
And while Heaney was delighted with his personal contribution, he paid tribute to his teammates for their hard work and service.
"It's a relief to get the win but, if I'm honest, it was long overdue. We've been playing well but not getting the results," the forward told nufc.co.uk after the final whistle.
"I love scoring but I know that when I'm scoring it's not just my goal it's the whole team's. Without them supplying me and putting in the effort they do, I wouldn't be on the score sheet.
"All the boys work so hard and Dave (Watson) has us playing a good way, but sometimes we don't get the results our performances possibly deserve.
"I'm just glad that my goals are helping the side. We won a friendly in midweek and I got four there and then two today, so I'm happy."
Heaney netted United's winner midway through the second half with a stunning 25-yard shot that crashed off the underside of the bar and into the visitors' net.
"I knew that the player marking me had dropped into defence from midfield, so I thought I would be able to turn," the teenage star continued.
"I've then hit a shot that I've tried on countless occasions and usually it doesn't pay off, but today it went straight in.
"Hopefully I can continue to score goals and play like I have today. We want to finish the season well and I want to make sure I'm in the England side for the upcoming Under-17s European Championships."