Dawson praises character as young Magpies salvage point

Newcastle's second-string led inside eight minutes of their league clash courtesy of Temple Ojinnaka's own goal, turning Trevan Sanusi's cross-cum shot into his own net following an impressive solo run from the 16-year-old winger before Tom Edozie's brace, netting in both halves, sent the visitors behind at the Aggborough Stadium.

However, the young Magpies levelled the scoring in the dying stages following Anthony Munda's excellent finish, racing onto James Huntley's deft flick before cooly slotting the ball into the top right-hand corner, netting his first goal at under-21 level in the process.

"From a team point of view, we've been asking the lads to try and get a bit more consistency in their performances," Dawson told nufc.co.uk. "There's three or four key moments in the game where we think we need to be better but for the majority, the players took that on board.

"There was a lot of things to like about the performance in terms of high press, our recovery back into shape, defending the box as well as, in possession, being a threat in behind but then also recognising when we could play through them and having a bit more control in the build-up. 

"We showed good character to get back in the game so late and then you're on a knife edge where you think you could go for the win but leave yourself open a little bit at the other end but the lads want to win games.

"We were disappointed to go behind but we had some decent play in the second half with a lot of control in terms of having the ball and, eventually, we got what we deserved towards the end with a great goal from Anthony (Munda)."

After Munda's late goalscoring heroics, Dawson highlighted the central midfielder's positive display in the middle of the park as well as the teenager's personal application with the under-21s squad in recent months.

"His performances with the under-18s is what warrants the step up and the opportunity to join the under-21s training group," Dawson explained. "It's then down to him in training to make the decision for the staff and he's done that.

"The flexibility in Anthony being able to numerous positions in midfield is good for him and gives us flexibility as coaches and gives him flexibility in terms of where he plays. He's played the majority of the game as the pivot and done really well, getting on the ball and, defensively, got around second balls and put tackles in, pressing high when he needed to.

"He then stepped further forward as the left eight and gives you that running power in behind and scored a really good goal. He was really composed, especially given the stage of the game and the pressure that was on him.

"He was probably physically tired which leads to a bit of mental fatigue so I was pleased to see him show that composure at 17."