Youngsters Warm Up For Cup With Win

By Tom Easterby

Dave Watson believes Newcastle United Under-18s' 3-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday was the perfect way to prepare for their FA Youth Cup tie at Millwall this weekend.

A strong United side, featuring the likes of under-21 regulars Dan Barlaser and Callum Roberts, eased to victory over the Potters at Little Benton as they stayed in ninth place in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League table.

"It was a decent performance from us," said Watson.

"We got the goals and it looked pretty comfortable for us at the time, but we eased off a bit after and they had a few chances to get back into it. We missed a penalty too, but overall it was quite a comfortable win."

Full-back Liam Gibson, as well as Barlaser and Roberts, was an unfamiliar face in the Magpies' line-up as the latter's brace, coupled with a Jamie Holmes strike, sealed the three points for the home side.

And Watson confirmed his selection on Saturday was made with one eye on the eagerly-anticipated FA Youth Cup clash at The Den next weekend, with some of the young stars who have shone for Peter Beardsley's under-21s this season also eligible to make the trip to the capital.

"We were getting ready for the FA Youth Cup game next weekend, and it was great preparation for that," he said.

"The likes of Dan Barlaser, Callum Roberts and Liam Gibson all played for us on Saturday and there's Freddie Woodman too, but we wouldn't expect to have them all available as Freddie is with the first team at the moment.

"Callum Williams starts training again on Monday, so that's another one we'll have to look at this week.

"We've seen plenty of footage of them (Millwall) and we've had them watched, so we've got a good idea of what we'll come up against really.

"It won't be full (at The Den) and it's always a tough place to go, but there should be a decent attendance down there and it'll be a great experience for the lads - it's all part of becoming a footballer."