Winskill targeting strong finish after under-21s' five-goal thriller

After a goalless first-half at Whitley Park, the young Magpies trailed after the restart following Fenton Heard's deflected strike before the hosts netted three times in the closing stages of the league clash, courtesy of Ben Parkinson's leveller and Kyle Crossley's quick-fire brace.

Despite Harry Whitwell's stoppage-time setting up a tense finale, Newcastle's youngsters held firm to record maximum points and boost their qualification hopes for a place in the top 16. 

Winskill told nufc.co.uk: "We're really pleased with tonight's result and it's nice to see the character and resilience that the lads have got and finding a way to make it work. We had a spell in the second half where we came to life, suddenly started creating chances and looking really threatening.

"We prepare for the game, looking at the opposition and it's quite interesting West Brom did something different to what we expected tonight so it was good to get in at half-time and address a few things, change some elements of our play and we looked much better for it in the second-half.

"That's part of the learning for the players and staff in how you deal with it and I thought we adapted well.

"After conceding the second goal, the lads will have flashbacks to the Middlesbrough game (conceding twice in the final minutes) but it's then interesting to see how they cope in that moment, whether they fade away or stand up and see it out.

"I thought there was more game smartness about our play, whether that's playing forward quicker or drawing a foul at the right time. That's something they need to learn if they are to go and play at first-team level."

Crossley continued his rich run of form in front of goal, taking his goalscoring tally to six in his last four competitive outings at under-21 level, netting in his fourth consecutive game in the process.

Winskill highlighted the versatile forward's positive impact from the substitutes' bench which, ultimately, helped secure three points for United's youngsters.

"We use the term ‘substitute standards’ and, when you make a substitution, you're hoping they go on and impact the game positively," Winskill added.

"Kyle's came on, in good form, and made a real difference. I'm really pleased for him because he's such an honest lad who works hard at his game. It's nice to see him using his strengths and playing with confidence, which shows in his second goal."

Newcastle's under-21 side turn their attention to Northumberland Senior Cup action on Tuesday, 9th April when facing a semi-final tie away at Ashington (kick-off 7.30pm BST) and Winskill is hopeful United's second-string can conclude the current campaign in a positive manner.

"We demand winning behaviours," he added. "We train and play to win and that's the same approach we've took all season. There's not many under-21 games left of the season but we want to finish strong. They have a chance to go to a cup final and want to push up the league table.

"We have to keep doing what we have been doing for the last 40 weeks, training with the right intensity and mentality, looking to improve every day."