Bailey blown away by tremendous support from fans

THERE WERE A LOT OF POSITIVES TO TAKE FROM TUESDAY NIGHT’S DERBY VICTORY OVER NEWCASTLE UNDER-21S

Newcastle United youngster Owen Bailey praised the club’s ‘amazing supporters following his side’s defeat to Sunderland in the Checkatrade Trophy.

A crowd of 16,654 (including 2,780 Newcastle fans) attended the game at the Stadium of Light, as the Magpies’ Under-21 side crashed out of the competition following a 4-0 defeat.

But despite the result, Bailey, 19, was blown away by the tremendous support from the travelling fans, who gave their side a standing ovation at the full-time whistle.

“I’ve grew up in Newcastle so I know what the fans are like, but it even took me by surprise to be fair,” said Bailey after the game.

“There was nearly 3,000 of them and they didn’t stop singing all game. Massive credit to them. I know it’s only a short journey, but to come on a Tuesday night for an Under-21 fixture is amazing. We can’t give them enough compliments.

“The hairs stand up on your neck when you come out and hear the noise. That’s the loudest I’ve ever come out to.

“There was a lot of passion in that game from both sets of fans. For us, it was the best atmosphere we’ve ever played in front of and the biggest attendance. It’s great for us going forward.”

Bailey has regularly captained Newcastle’s youth side in Premier League 2 and the Checkatrade Trophy this campaign, and was one of the Magpies’ standout performers against Sunderland.

The visitors held their own in the first half and went in level at the break, with Bailey playing a huge part in the heart of Newcastle’s back line.

The teenager made a series of important block and interceptions to keep his side level but was disappointed with the way his side fell away shortly after half-time.

Still, the defender believes the Magpies can take a lot from the competition, after beating four Football League clubs, Notts County, Doncaster, Grimsby and Macclesfield, to reach the last 16.

“There are a lot of positives to take from the competition, although at the minute, with that result, it’s hard to see that,” added Bailey. You have to try to stay positive, we won three out of three in the group and beat some good sides like Doncaster, who are doing well in League One.”