INSPIRED by NUFC's excellent runs in both the FA and UEFA Cup, the Singapore Magpies "A" team finished second out of 16 teams at the Lim Boon Heng five-a-side Challenge Trophy on Siloso Beach, on Sentosa in Singapore last Sunday.

Having qualified joint first (but 2nd on goal difference) from the eight team group, defeating the Arsenal fans and the Liverpool fans en-route, the ten man squad cruised through the semi-final for a re-match with Olympique de Singapour (Marseille fans) in the tournament final, having earlier beaten them 2-1 in the group.

Within sight of the cup, injuries and a hard schedule took their toll as the Mags played through the pain barrier in an inspirational display of teamwork to fill Geordies everywhere with pride despite a 0-3 loss.

Singapore Mags chief John Hirst said: "We're slowly getting there!

"It was great to beat the Arsenal and Liverpool lads, but we just fell that little bit short in the semi final.

"We've got an 11-a-side game coming up against Chelsea in May, so we're all looking forward to that one and hopefully we can do what Souness' lads did and beat them!"