Magpies show they mean to hold on to HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens title
Defending Sevens champions keep clean sheet as they storm into quarters
Newcastle United showed exactly why they are the defending champions at the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens yesterday as they stormed into the Cup quarter-finals.
The Magpies won all three of their matches at Hong Kong Football Club, scoring nine goals without reply, to top group B. Striker Sammy Ameobi led the way with four goals.
Coach Willie Donachie said it was a good day's work by his players. "I'm delighted, they've shown great attitude," he said. "We've got some quite experienced players who have played in the league at different levels, either Premier League or on loan in the lower divisions, so you are never sure how they are going to react to a tournament like this, but their work rate has been excellent.
"It helps that we've got five players who won this event last year, but you've still got to show the right sort of commitment and they've done that. We got off to a flying start in a couple of the games with a goal in the first minute and that is down to their approach, they work hard right from the start."
Newcastle beat HKFC Captain's Select 2-0 and local First Division side Southern 5-0 before overcoming Leicester City 2-0 in their final match. Leicester finished second in the table to also reach the Cup quarter-finals.
Soccer Sevens debutants Manchester City stumbled in their opening match in group A, drawing 1-1 with local amateurs Yau Yee League Select, but they disposed of Singapore Cricket Club 5-0 and Sunderland 2-0 to top the table.
