Newcastle United fans will love what QPR have said about Harrison Ashby’s performance against Sunderland

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Newcastle United may have at least two derbies to prepare for next season. 

Indeed, Newcastle United’s biggest rivals Sunderland are in the Championship play-off spots and could feasibly return to the Premier League.  

The two teams have only played once in the last nine years, with Newcastle winning 3-0 in an FA Cup clash back in January 2024.  

The Black Cats, however, head into the play-offs in dreadful form. They have lost five of their last seven games before they meet Frank Lampard’s Coventry in a two-legged semi-final later this month.

Saturday saw them fall to a defeat to QPR, during which Newcastle loanee Harrison Ashby played a key role. 

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Harrison Ashby’s big role for QPR vs Sunderland

Ashby joined QPR on loan in August 2024 and has since made 31 appearances for the London club. Having only signed for the season, Saturday could have been his final game.

The 23-year-old provided the assist from which Nicolas Madsen scored the only goal of the game in the opening five minutes. 

Speaking about Ashby’s assist, Madsen told the QPR official website: “It was also a great ball from Ash – I saw some space, took a touch and just needed to hit the target. 

“It was nice to see it go in.”

Interim manager Kevin Betsy, meanwhile, said: “Ashby’s had some moments where he’s been in the final third and assisted in previous games before.

“He showed good quality to assist in the goal.” 

Newcastle United told they’re missing a trick with Harrison Ashby

Prior to being put on gardening leave, Marti Cifuentes was the manager in west London. 

Last month, Cifuentes hailed Ashby for his time on loan at QPR.

The right-back slots in the first-team under Eddie Howe at St James’ Park, however, look to be filled for now.  

Kieran Trippier could stay at Newcastle now, while Tino Livramento will no doubt return to that side of the pitch when Lewis Hall returns to full fitness.  

Emil Krafth provides another option too and only signed a new contract relatively recently. While it’s promising to see Ashby playing well, first-team chances at Newcastle may still be few and far between.