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Newcastle began their title defense of the Citibank Hong Kong Football Club International Soccer Sevens in style, as they swept group play with a +9 goal differential.
Newcastle opened up Group Play with a 2-0 win over HKFC's Captain's Select. Sammy Ameobi's brace set the pace for Newcastle. Up next was a match with Southern District, a Hong Kong based side. Ameobi netted another two goals, Michael Richardson added a brace, and Bradden Inmen got into the act for a 5-0 winner. The win put Newcastle through to the knockout stages with a game to play.
But, just for good measure, the Magpies would win that game as well, taking out fellow English side Leicester City 2-0. Inmen got his second of the tournament, and James Tavernier added another to make Newcastle the group B winners. Newcastle advance to the knockout stages. According to Newcastle's official website, they'll face local side Citizen.
I don't know how much stake anyone puts in Sevens, but given the season that Newcastle just had, it is kind of nice to see some score lines slanted heavily in our favor. I read that there may be local TV coverage tomorrow, which means there may be some way to watch these matches if you're up for it (but I make no promises!)