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'Back to business' ahead of Tyne-Wear derby, says Dawson
Written by Luke Vinton
As Newcastle's under-23s prepare to face local rivals Sunderland in their opening game of 2019, Ben Dawson is eager for United's second string to replicate their strong performances in the first half of the season.
Following a three week break since their last competitive clash - a 2-1 league defeat at Southampton - the young Magpies face their Black Cats counterparts at the Academy of Light on Friday afternoon (kick-off 1pm GMT).
The under-23 clash will be the first fixture of a Tyne-Wear derby double bill, with Newcastle meeting League One Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.
Dawson's side are currently in sixth place on 19 points - one point shy of a play-off spot in the Premier League 2's second tier - and a win over Sunderland's second string could see the Magpies climb into the top five.
"It is an important game after having a break from the games programme," Dawson told nufc.co.uk. "However, we have come back in between Christmas and the New Year and done a block of work. Now it's back to business and hopefully returning to the high standards that the lads set themselves in the first half of the season.
"Our job is all about the performance, improvement and development so just getting back into the routine is important, and then looking ahead to the match on Friday."
Newcastle's youngsters have won three of their last four league fixtures and a win over bottom-placed Sunderland could see the Magpies pass their total points tally of 21 gained last season, with eight matches to spare.
However, Dawson made it clear that there is still plenty of work to be done if his squad are to end the season on a high note.
"We have been pleased with the start of the season," he added. "There have been some good individual performances and we know the team work well together as they are a great group who get along with each other.
"We have also has a lot of success stories with individuals so far and we would like to maintain that through until the end of the season.
"We're looking for the ones who perform and improve on a daily basis because you'll know that will transfer onto the pitch before matchday. Those who don't perform in training will find it difficult to get into the side.
"You can imagine with such a big week coming up, with Newcastle facing Sunderland, training will be extra competitive and intense which is very good. We'll look forward to Friday's match and then take it from there."
Friday's game will be played behind closed doors, with no public admission.
"We're looking for the ones who perform and improve on a daily basis because you'll know that will transfer onto the pitch before matchday. Those who don't perform in training will find it difficult to get into the side."