While Newcastle have been impressive in the Premier League this term, winning 4 games and losing 3 of all 9 encounters, the Magpies’ youth team have been the exact opposite at the Premier League 2.
Following 2 consecutive victories in their opening games of the campaign, the under-23’s have gone 6 matches without victory, drawing 2 and losing the other 4.
The latest defeat was a 2-nil loss at the hands of their Blackburn Rovers counterparts at Whitley Park on Friday night, and manager Peter Beardsley believes a lot of reasons are behind their unimpressive run.
Although the under-23’s boss isn’t refusing to blame his players for the results, Beardsley believes the referee had a hand in their most recent loss.
He told the press post-match: “I don’t think it’s right that people want to waste time at this level but I understand it as much as it frustrates me.
“It just shows you can’t afford to go behind because the rules change. As much as the ref says he will do everything he can (time wasting wise) it’s not his problem.
“In the second half our players were getting held and fouled but the ref was saying they were both at it.”
The few chances the Toons managed to carve out went begging, while Rovers goalie had nothing to do all game in terms of saves.
Beardsley’s men have conceded 15 goals and scored 12, with none of the player putting in any performance worthy of a senior team invite.
He admits the boys have been underwhelming, claiming that:“We had a great start to the season and scored lots of goals. For me it’s disappointing we didn’t make the goalkeeper make a save.
“We had lots of the ball and lots of good situations but never really looked like scoring. It’s really disappointing for somebody like me who played as a number 9 or number 10.
“To not make the goalkeeper work at all is really frustrating. The strikers never got on the end of any cross. Tom (Heardman) didn’t get on to a Sterry cross but we never really looked like scoring a goal.
“Rolando had a bit of a run in the second half but I don’t know how far his shot was. Mackenzie Heaney bent one past the post too.”
Newcastle host Sparta Praha U23 on Tuesday in the Premier League International Cup before traveling to meet Aston Villa U23 when league action resumes.
Beardsley will hope his side are able to respond in style as they attempt to arrest a run of poor results.
