Keeper made ‘poor decision’
STEVE Bruce admits that Martin Dubravka should have dealt better with Matt Doherty’s cross that led to the equaliser for Wolves in the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
The Toon boss had sanctioned a new six-year contract for the Slovakia international earlier this week, but was left disappointed by his second half fumble to hand the visitors a point.
Speaking after the game, Bruce said: “He (Dubravka) knows he could have done better.
“It’s a poor decision from Martin. “If you’re going to come and flap at it, then the one thing you can’t do is just push it in the middle of the goal.
“That’s a bit of a frustration. “Of all their work, it’s a mistake that has got them their goal. “It’s unfortunate.” Newcastle had grabbed a first half lead through Jamaal Lascelles until
Wolves fought their way back into the match.
Bruce said: “It was an opportunity. The way we played in the first half pleased me, but in the second half, we haven’t done enough at all.
“And when the red card is pulled out, you’ll obviously try to protect what you’ve got.”
Bruce added: “I was pleased with the way we played in the first half – the second half was very difficult to say the least.
“I think we just decided that we’d just defend and try to protect what we had, but we didn’t take care of the ball well enough.
“In the first half, what pleased me was that we took care of the ball and handled it well.
“When they scored, that seemed to shake us up a little bit, but there was the ending with the sending off.”
Speaking more on Longstaff’s red card, Bruce said: “I think it’s harsh. “I spoke out about Isaac, and that was a poor challenge. “When I’ve witnessed it... The behaviour of Neves is another thing. “When they’re rolling around like that, you know they’re not hurt, because when you’re hurt, you stay motionless.
“He’s not in control of his foot, but then again, how is he supposed to be when he’s just played the ball? “In that respect, I think it’s harsh on the boy, I really do. “Will we appeal it? I’ll have a look again tomorrow if possible.
“We’ll have a look.”
If you’re going to come and flap at it, then the one thing you can’t do is just push it in the middle of the goal.
Steve Bruce