'Terrific' - Dawson full of praise as young Magpies beat Fulham

Dawson's side broke the deadlock after the hour mark courtesy of Rosaire Longelo's fine opener before strikes from Yannick Touré and Victor Fernández made sure of maximum points in the division two clash.

The win lifts Newcastle's youngsters above Fulham into eighth place, where they currently lie four points adrift off the Premier League 2 play-off spots.

"It was terrific," Dawson told nufc.co.uk. "They've come back after the break where they've had a few days off and seemed like they've missed it. They've worked hard this week.

"The intensity and the quality has been good and there's a few who have come back a bit more mature in terms of their daily habits and their performances have shown that today.

"The starting eleven and the lads who came on off the bench played really well and I think that was reflected in the scoreline.

"I thought we played with great energy and a good shape which we pressed from. The front four were a constant threat and I think kicking into the wind actually suited us (in the second half) as we had to find a way to play.

"I thought we did that really well whether it was from the back with Jake (Turner) playing longer into the frontline or whether it was played through midfield with Jack (Young) and Mo (Sangare) and then when Joe (White) came on."

After a frustrating first half which saw Newcastle go close to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions, Dawson revealed messages at the half-time break which was led by three impressive goals at United's Little Benton Academy. 

Newcastle proved to be equally as impressive in defence as they were in attack as the young Magpies held firm against a Fulham side containing striker Timmy Abraham - brother of Chelsea forward Tammy - to register a third clean sheet in all competitions this term.

"I was pleased with the quality of the goals," Dawson added. "Rosaire's is a great finish after a good first touch from Yannick (Touré) and then his first touch when he scored was really good.

"We asked for that at half-time after having some great opportunities (in the first half) but needing a bit more care, attention and composure in and around the box to take those chances. Thankfully, we did and scored three great goals.

"Towards the back end of last year, we also talked about clean sheets. Coming into the new year, we need to do a better job of keeping the ball out of the net. If we do that, we know we can score goals.

"It was pleasing to see that message and some of the work and mentality they've shown this week in training come out in the game."