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Newcastle winger Ritchie expects constant reminders of Burnley blooper

Newcastle winger Ritchie expects constant reminders of Burnley blooper
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Ritchie shot wide from two yards in front of an open goal in Newcastle's 2-1 victory over Burnley.

Matt Ritchie expects to be reminded of his horror miss for the rest of his life but insisted it will not put him off going for goal.

The Newcastle winger made an unwanted entry into the list of worst Premier League bloopers when he somehow shot wide from two yards in front of an open goal during the 2-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night.

Asked how he would describe it, Ritchie said: "Horrific miss, horrendous, but that's life, it's football. I'll keep going, I'll keep plugging away, I'll keep getting my shots off. Luckily enough it's not cost us and I can smile about it but inside it hurts.

"I've got high expectations of myself so I'm devastated that I've missed the chance. I love scoring goals and I haven't got one this season yet.

"It's certainly been on my mind and to have a chance like that and not take it is so frustrating but the most important thing is that we had a fantastic performance, fantastic result and we keep going and we can keep building. We've got a good feeling."

The ribbing from team-mates had already started in the dressing room and Ritchie knows he will have to relive his howler every time a compilation of worst misses comes around.

"I'm sure it'll last forever," he said. "In the game I didn't really understand. I was thinking throughout the second half, 'How have I missed that?' and trying to concentrate on the game. I wasn't aware what really happened but I've seen it again and what an opportunity.

"I think I was celebrating before I put it in the net. It's a miss that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life but I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Newcastle were leading 2-1 having withstood fierce pressure at the end of the first half. Five minutes into the second period, DeAndre Yedlin took advantage of weak Burnley defending to break into the box. Joe Hart got a toe to his cross-shot but it appeared Ritchie had the simplest of tap-ins as the ball rolled to the back post.

"I gambled," said Ritchie. "I saw Yeds getting in and I know he's quick. I made a good run to the back post and just unbelievable. I can't believe I missed it.

"I'll move on. I'm a strong character and I'll make sure it doesn't affect me. I've dealt with setbacks in my career and that is a minor setback. I want to score goals, I want to help the team. I could have made it a little bit more comfortable. I've made an error but my goals will come for sure."

Ritchie's next chance will come against West Ham at St James' Park on Saturday, where Rafael Benitez's side will look to make it four wins in a row.

So what price a 30-yarder from Ritchie to bury his demons?

"That's the plan," he said.

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Matt Ritchie in action for Newcastle United on April 15, 2018
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