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Beardsley: 'A Big Improvement'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Peter Beardsley spoke to nufc.co.uk following United under-21s' home draw with Blackburn Rovers on Monday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Peter Beardsley was pleased with an improved performance from his Newcastle United Under-21 side, as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.
Having lost their season opener at Wolves last week, the Magpies bounced back against Rovers at Whitley Park, coming from behind to grab a point - which could have easily been all three following some late, heavy pressure.
And although they failed to turn that late dominance into further goals and a victory, Beardsley believes there were still plenty of positives to take from the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division Two fixture.
"Overall, we probably had the better chances so we are a little disappointed," United's Football Development Manager told nufc.co.uk.
"But we have to learn how to break sides down and hopefully score a few more goals.
"It was definitely an improvement on our performance against Wolves, and that's the most important thing. We had some good situations, some good chances and scored a really good goal. So in that sense, we are quite pleased.
"There were good performances from Bigi (Gael Bigirimana) and Lubo (Satka), and Jamie Sterry has been out (injured) for a while, so for him to come on and score the goal was a massive plus.
"Ivan (Toney) had a couple of efforts late on and looked sharp. He will be good for us.
"I really like what I've seen from him so far. He's big, strong and shoots on sight, but he can also create and put a couple of great crosses in, which we could have scored from."
Beardsley was also full of praise for goalkeeper Karl Darlow who, having been on the first-team substitutes' bench for the opening two games of the Premier League season, took the opportunity to get some minutes under his belt.
"Karl was brilliant, from the moment he knew he was playing, right until the moment he left the dressing room after the match," continued Beardsley.
"It was his first 90 minutes for the Club, he's a good lad, a leader and has plenty of experience from playing in the Championship with Nottingham Forest.
"That's why I made him captain, and he was excellent. It will have done him the world of good and will also be great for our lads to play in front of someone of Karl's stature."
