Eddie Howe predicted Matty Bondswell's impressive cameo could prove to be a 'big moment' in his Newcastle United career. However, the promising defender is now being warned to work on his discipline less than a month later after seeing red as the U21s lost to Stoke City.
Elliott Dickman's side were reduced to nine men at Whitley Park on Monday night, with Bondswell and Michael Ndiweni both being dismissed for second-bookable offences. The young striker could consider himself somewhat unlucky after first being booked for an accidental sliding collision with Daniel Malone, before being sent off for a mistimed challenge on goalkeeper Blondy Nna Nokeu shortly after the restart.
However, academy boss Steve Harper admitted he had 'no complaints' over referee David Richardson's decision to dismiss Bondswell in the 71st minute. The defender was punished for a frustrated lunge near the halfway line, and Dickman believes it is a long-standing issue the 20-year-old needs to address.
