Quickfire strikes key to win, says Beardsley

Joshua Smile opened the scoring for the visitors after just ten minutes at Whitley Park, as Fulham dominated the early exchanges.

But Beardsley’s youngsters fought back, and Tom Heardman’s double either side of a Victor Fernandez strike put United in the driving seat before half time.

That 12-minute salvo earned the hosts the points in the end as they held firm in the second half, and the result all but made sure of their place in the Premier League 2 Division Two play-offs.

“I thought for the first half hour, Fulham were excellent and probably the better team. Then we got the equalising goal and to be fair, we did well to get our three in a short space of time, which would kill any team,” Beardsley told nufc.co.uk.

“In the second half when we reorganised a bit, we were much better. Their coach, Peter Grant, he was saying that it was a game of two halves really, and I wouldn’t disagree with that.

“At 1-0, they were the better team, they passed us to death and played good football. But we got a break with the goal, and once we capitalised on that and went 3-1 up we never really looked like losing that then.”

He added: “Big Tom’s first was a good header and then a good finish from Dan Ward’s pass, and with Victor’s it was luck more than anything that gave him the chance when they didn’t clear their lines.

“But he took it very well. I never thought he’d miss when he went clear – he took it very well.”

Beardsley’s side didn’t have too many opportunities to extend their advantage in the second half, as the Cottagers pushed forward in search of a way back into the tie.

But the victory was still a comfortable one for the Magpies, who now have one league game remaining – away at Middlesbrough next Friday – before their attentions are likely to turn to the play-offs, should other results go their way on Monday night.

“We got the confidence with the three goals, but we knew they were chasing the game. They had to change what they were doing and take risks, and that would probably be the slight disappointment – that we didn’t capitalise on a few of those situations,” he said. “But overall, I’m really pleased with how they did, and it’s a good win for them.

“They’ve had a brilliant season whatever happens. For the people on the outside, success is measured by where you get to but to be fair to our group, we think it’s been a really good season, really positive one, and most of them have done really well.

“In that sense, we’re really pleased whatever happens, but this would be a nice bonus.”

And football development manager Beardsley delivered some positive news regarding the fitness of centre half Curtis Good, who was forced off in last week’s Premier League Cup defeat to Reading.

“Curtis is OK. It wasn’t anything to do with what happened before (with his previous hip injury),” he said.

“I think he’s got a slight groin strain. He’s got no problem with his hip, it was something totally different. He’ll be up and running in about three or four days, and possibly play against Middlesbrough.”