Full Post Match Reaction From Souness & Allardyce

By Matthew Jones
November 1 2004

Full match reaction from Newcastle boss Graeme Souness and Bolton's Sam Allardyce. The Magpies' were defeated 2-1 at the Reebock Stadium, with Darren Ambrose netting the consolation for Newcastle, as Bolton put thier home advantage to good use.

Souness said:

"You have to be up for the challenge here or you get bullied off the park. I felt that didn't happen and we are disappointed.

"We had to battle with them all the way and they've got the break on the day.

"We defended very well throughout but just conceded two very, very poor goals.

"The way they play you are always under pressure and there wasn't a lot of football out there.

"I'm not being critical of anyone and am expecting a positive response from the players."

Virtual Replay: 3D animation of Ambrose's consolation for Newcastle

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce added:

"Graeme is knackered because little old Bolton have beaten Newcastle. He should not comment on my team. He should look at their performance.

"His responsibility is to look at his team. They could not cope with my side. We were too good for them.

"Newcastle were not very fluent because we did not allow them to be. We nullified all their strengths.

"We did a massive job in stopping an unbelievable strikeforce. It was only a wonder goal that stopped us. We weren't the prettiest but we were effective and I'm absolutely delighted with the victory.

"Set-plays are a major way of scoring goals for us and that's what we did and that's why we've won the game. It puts us in good stead for the rest of the season. We can really kick on now and get as much distance from the middle pack as possible.

"It's been a magnificent start to the season and I hope it continues."

Full match report from the BBC

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