Young Magpies set for Royals rumble

The Magpies were beaten 1-0 by FC Porto B in the Premier League International Cup semi-finals last Thursday, under a week after exiting the Premier League Cup at the last eight stage after a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

But they have a chance to bounce back quickly from those setbacks when they take on the Royals at Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park tonight (7pm kick-off) and Bailey – who captained the side in that game against Porto at St. James’ Park – says there is still plenty to play for as United look to climb the Premier League 2 Division Two table.

“It’s frustrating because that was a big game, along with the Premier League Cup, and we’ve been knocked out of them both in pretty quick succession,” he told nufc.co.uk. “But we need to improve our league form, and if we can do that before the end of the season it will be a big plus for us.

“Obviously we’ve got the Northumberland Senior Cup final too, so the season’s far from over, but we just need to try and perform well and hopefully we can pick up a few good results before the end of the season.

“We’ve had a few good performances, but we just need a bit of luck along the way, and get a few wins and results, and then we should come out with a bit of credit from the season instead of it looking like we haven’t really done anything.”

Bailey added: “Everyone’s still improving, people are still young. Everyone’s trying to help each other, and the people who are going to be here next season want to push on so they’re doing well for next season. Even though the season seems like it’s over it’s not because there is still a lot to play for.”

The 19-year-old could line up once more on Monday night when a win for the young Magpies could take them to within three points of Stoke City in tenth, while a Reading victory could help move them level on points with Brighton & Hove Albion in fourth.