Pardew Pleased With Tribute Triumph

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Alan Pardew was delighted with the performance of his Newcastle United team against Sydney FC on Tuesday, believing they paid the perfect tribute to fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney.

The two Magpies supporters were involved in last week's Malaysia Airlines tragedy while travelling out to New Zealand to follow their Club on its pre-season tour.

United's stars wore black armbands and memorial warm-up t-shirts for their friendly in Dunedin, as well as holding a minute's silence and laying wreaths on the empty seats that Alder and Sweeney would have filled.

It was an emotional night at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, but Pardew's troops responded perfectly, racing into a three-goal lead with just over half-an-hour gone.

Siem de Jong, Emmanuel Riviere and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa were responsible for those strikes, before teenage forward Adam Armstrong slotted home goal number four with time running out.

"I was very pleased," Pardew told nufc.co.uk following the final whistle of the 4-0 victory.

"We started with a very strong side, particularly in memory of John and Liam - I thought that was only right.

"It was important that we paid our respects. John and Liam were not just ordinary fans - they were a litte bit special in their support of us.

"They were coming out here to watch us, all the way to New Zealand, and we had to make sure that their memory was in this stadium.

"We got off to the perfect start, were gifted a goal, and from then on we were in total control.

"It was nice to see the new boys all contribute in a really positive way. It's obvious we have more offensive options now with the arrival of Riviere, Siem and Ayoze.

"All three were terrific and Jack's energy in midfield was great for us too. That really got us playing and on the front foot.

"It was a good night on the pitch and one where we can be proud of how we conducted ourselves off it too."