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Watson Pleased With Positive End To Season
Written by Newcastle Utd
Under-18s coach Dave Watson spoke to nufc.co.uk as his side finished their season with a win
By Dominic Scurr
Dave Watson saw his Newcastle United side end their 2015/16 Barclays Under-18s Premier League season with a 4-1 home win over Southampton.
It was only the young Magpies' second victory of the calendar year and Watson was pleased to finish on a positive, as goals from Mackenzie Heaney, Jamie Holmes, Owen Bailey and Lewis McNall completed a solid win at Little Benton.
"It was the last game of the season and we're pleased to go out on a high," Watson told nufc.co.uk.
"The main thing for us was that we had the majority of our under-18s players together and we've shown how good our team is when everybody is available.
"We were professional and well-organised - we were a man short for the final 20 minutes but we were comfortable and even managed to score more goals and make sure of the result.
"The play in the first half, in particular, was fantastic. We were creating chances and not letting Southampton get into the game."
Newcastle raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 15 minutes and Watson felt that set up a strong, confident performance from his side.
"It always helps to score a couple of goals early on," he continued.
"It gives the team confidence and settles everybody down but we had goalscorers on the pitch, so with that you expect something to happen.
"Overall, it was a really good team performance and I'm delighted with every one of the players.
"It's a bit of a pity that we haven't had this group of lads playing together as much as we would have liked, because they've shown just how strong they can be and it gives us something to build on for next season."