Dawson delighted after derby day triumph

United's second-string raced into an early lead at the Academy of Light, with Kyle Crossley breaking the deadlock inside five minutes against an experienced Sunderland side before Corry Evans, with over 350 EFL appearances to his name, levelled the clash with an impressive long-range strike.

Cathal Heffernan's header on the stroke of half-time sent the young Magpies in front before Crossley's slotted finish doubled the visitors' advantage and despite Joe Ryder's stoppage-time finish setting up a nervy finale, Newcastle's youngsters held firm for maximum points against their local rivals.

"First and foremost, I was pleased with the performance," Dawson told nufc.co.uk. "It's never an easy game home or away and always that bit more difficult when you're playing away from home compounded with additions in Sunderland's squad, with senior players dropping in, but that's what that league gives you and the lads had to dig deep.

"We started the game really well, scoring a great goal which gave us a good platform and something to work from. The equaliser is a great strike but the lads rallied well at that point by scoring another good goal.

"We managed the game well throughout even under some severe pressure at times, defending the goal with a lot of desire and commitment to put bodies on the line. I'm pleased for the lads they got the three points on the back of their performance."

After Crossley took his goalscoring tally to six in all competitions at under-21 level this term, Dawson was impressed with the versatile forward's positive contribution in front of goal against their Black Cats counterparts.

Dawson added: "Because of the situation the squad's in at the moment, people are playing out of position and I thought Kyle did really well as a number nine and it played to his strengths in terms of space in behind to give him an opportunity to run.

"He does have an eye for goal and we saw that in the Senior Cup game (against Bedlington Terriers) and I was pleased with his timing and movement, managing to get onto the end of two great balls."

Newcastle's youngsters extended their unbeaten run to four competitive matches following a five-goal thriller against Sunderland, with Dawson encouraged by the determination shown from the squad to grind out a valuable three points in their quest for a place in the top 16 this season.

He said: "In terms of the lads learning how to manage games away from home in a difficult environment, I thought we managed the period really well after conceding the second goal, not flying out of the traps and forcing them to try and break us down.

"We've been compact, diligent and defended the box very well. You do need a bit of luck to go your way but I thought, in general, we managed those key moments really well.

"The character and resilience is never in question. That's what they give you everyday in training and it's almost an unwritten expectation when we get to games and I'm thankful the lads have shown their quality to win the game."