Watson proud of Newcastle United youth despite cup exit
Last updated on .From the section Football
Newcastle United under-18 coach Dave Watson has praised his players' commitment after Monday's FA Youth Cup quarter-final defeat by Blackburn.
The young Magpies were beaten 3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in front of a crowd of 2,026 to end their involvement in the competition.
"It's bitterly disappointing," Watson told BBC Newcastle.
"We went toe-to-toe with them right till the death, and it was more of an effort game than fantastic football."
Watson's side took the lead twice in normal time with goals from Michael Hoganson and Jonathan James Hooper but were pegged back by Rovers' Ryan Edwards and Robbie Cotton.
"It's the type of team we need to play week in week out, that's how our kids will become better," he added.
"Full credit to Blackburn, they played well but our lads gave them a right good go."
