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Longstaff Pleased With Cup Double
Written by Newcastle Utd
Sean Longstaff says bagging his third and fourth goals of pre-season on Saturday was a great feeling
By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Sean Longstaff says bagging his third and fourth goals of pre-season on Saturday was a great feeling - although he admitted that his second, and Newcastle United Under-21s' third in the 3-0 win over Corby Town, was somewhat fortuitous.
Luke Charman opened the scoring for Peter Beardsley's second string in their opening Steel Park Cup tie against the hosts before Longstaff added two more to his tally after the break.
The 18-year-old midfielder also found the target in the 3-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue and the 5-1 thumping of Darlington last weekend.
And afterwards, Longstaff told nufc.co.uk said he was happy to claim his bizarre second goal - which came straight from a corner - after his classy first had given the Magpies some breathing space in the game.
"It's always nice to score - it doesn't matter if it's pre-season or a cup final, it's just nice to score," he said. "I thought we played pretty well in the second half, but in the first half we were a little bit slow on the ball, and didn't really get going until after half time, to be honest.
"But at the end of the day it was a good game, so everyone's pretty pleased.
"With my first goal, Jamie (Holmes) passed it to me, I turned and I think the defender went the wrong way and made it look a little bit better than it was, but I was very happy to put it in.
"The second one, really, was just a terrible corner that somehow went in!
"It was a little bit embarrassing when it went in - luckily the keeper dropped it, otherwise I'm sure Pete and Ben would have been having a little word with me. But it went in, so I'll have to claim it."
Longstaff made the step up to the under-21s last season after becoming a regular name on the scoresheet at under-18 level.
And now, with some experience of the demands of this level already under his belt, the teenager is looking to kick on and find the consistency that could help him establish himself as a key part of Beardsley's side alongside some more seasoned professionals.
"I think it was two seasons ago I scored quite a few, but last year wasn't as good when I made the step up to the 21s a bit more, so hopefully this year I can become a little bit more consistent and score a few more goals," he said.
"Especially last year, with most of the senior lads being away, I got to play a little bit more which is always good, and that helped me. This year, even if it's just pre-season, just to have the older ones back makes you remember how young you are compared to Haris and Bigi.
"They're just a few years older, but it's better when they're here because they raise everyone's standards. It's good when everyone's about because it makes competition for places a bit harder and makes everyone play better."
The Magpies entertain PSV Eindhoven on Sunday afternoon in what will be the tournament decider, after the Dutch side beat Leeds United 4-1 in their opening game.
Longstaff is anticipating a challenging encounter - but reckons if United play to their strengths, they have a great chance of bringing some silverware back to Tyneside.
"I would think it will be a tougher game tomorrow. We watched them before we played and they looked a good side, so hopefully tomorrow we can come, play well and do the things we're good at - move the ball have a good defensive shape, and hopefully get the win," he said.
Photograph courtesy of www.kappasport.co.uk.