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Yarney out to end season on a high
Written by Tom Easterby
Josef Yarney says Newcastle United Under-23s are determined to end their season on a high as they prepare to face Morpeth Town in the Techflow Marine Northumberland Senior Cup final on Wednesday night.
United entertain the Northern League Division One side under the lights at St. James’ Park (7.30pm kick-off) in the final game of what has been a testing season for the young Magpies.
They have an opportunity to end the campaign by winning the trophy for what would be the first time since 2014, though the Highwaymen stand in their way.
And defender Yarney says there is no shortage of motivation in the Newcastle ranks as they look to bring the curtain down on 2017/18 in style.
“We’re coming to the end of the season and it would be brilliant to end it with a little bit of silverware, after not having the best of seasons,” the 20-year-old told nufc.co.uk. “We’ve been playing well recently, so it would be good to end it like that.
“Everyone’s really motivated. It’s coming towards the end of the season, but everyone’s still working hard. Everyone could down tools and think, ‘it’s the summer’, but we’re still working hard and it’s a chance to get some silverware.
“Ben (Dawson) has really drummed it into us that we’ve still got a game to go, and that it’s an important game and we could win something.”
Morpeth reached the final courtesy of a thumping 8-2 win over holders Blyth Spartans in the semi-finals.
And while he knows his side will be in for a stern test, Yarney is hoping his teammates will benefit from being in familiar surroundings on Wednesday night.
“I’m expecting a tough, competitive game,” he said. “I think they’ll be right at it, playing at St. James’ as well. It’s a big stadium and they’ll thrive on playing there. They’ll be straight out of the traps at us, and we need to be focused and ready.
“But I think all the lads thrive on that – they love playing at St. James’. It’s got more of a first team atmosphere around it, and it should be good to play there again.”
Former Everton man Yarney has impressed in recent weeks, as United have strung together three successive victories.
And the youngster – who joined the club last summer – feels he’s beginning to show what he’s capable of after a stop-start campaign.
“I think individually I was good at the start of the season, and then the team took a little bit of a dip and I got injured,” he said. “Around Christmas time I had a double hernia, but since I’ve come back I think I’ve done well.
“We’ve been picking up wins, and we got a clean sheet the other day against Villa which was very important, so coming towards the end of the season I think we’re finishing strongly.
“I’ve had a run of games, and I think I’ve thrived off that. Playing every couple of days I think has been the best thing for me.”
Admission at St. James' Park on Wednesday night is £7 for adults and £3 concessions, via the East Stand turnstiles. A result must be achieved on the night, with extra time and penalties if required.
"Everyone’s really motivated. It’s coming towards the end of the season, but everyone’s still working hard. Everyone could down tools and think, ‘it’s the summer’, but we’re still working hard and it’s a chance to get some silverware."