United's second-string opened the scoring inside 12 minutes at Whitley Park through Josh Scott's close-range rebound before the Gateshead-born teenager doubled his and the hosts' advantage with an easy tap-in after capitalising on a goalkeeping error from George Shelvey.

Despite Jude Smith's heroics in-between the sticks for Newcastle's youngsters, the Scottish goalkeeper's clean sheet hopes were cruelly dashed in the latter stages following Loïc Mbe Soh's header but Dickman's side held firm to record back-to-back Premier League 2 victories.

"I'm pleased that we won," Dickman told nufc.co.uk. "There were bits amongst the game which were good but there are things in there we'll be working on at the training ground. It was nice to get a game and get going again with the (Aston Villa Under-21s) match being called off last week.

"It took us a little while to get going but I'm pleased we've scored two goals and won the game but, ultimately, we do want it to be better.

"The character we showed was a massive positive. One thing I'll say about the lads is that no matter what we do day-to-day, they are ultra competitive. I think that helps build character and helps them to learn and be prepared for situations where we were under pressure for good spells and we had to dig deep towards the end.

"They'll be better for that and I'm pleased for them that we managed to see the game out and win. They do want to win, stick together and there is plenty for us to build and improve upon.

"Tony (Caig) and Haydn (Rockall) have worked really hard behind-the-scenes on our game restarts. We've been doing a really good job of that and it was brilliant that we scored from a free-kick but we also conceded from one. I know the lads will be disappointed with that but it is something to learn from and something we'll be doing more work on with the group."

Dickman was delighted with the contributions made by Scott, who netted the match-winning brace, as well as Smith, who preserved maximum points for the young Magpies with a series of crucial saves throughout the Division Two encounter.

The 43-year-old UEFA Pro-Licence coach added: "I think his second goal (Josh Scott) will be the easiest he's ever scored in his life! He's still in the position to put the keeper under pressure and we got a little bit of luck there which sometimes happen.

"He is in the right place at the right time for his first goal in terms of the set-play routine. I'm pleased for him. He hasn't had a lot of game time so far and that was his opportunity tonight. He scored two goals and that's something for him to build on.

"I thought Jude was very good. He has ultimately kept us in the game and I thought the saves he made were terrific. His all-round goalkeeping display was really good and he brings composure to the group and the team.

"He still has a lot to learn but he hasn't been in the building long (after joining from East Fife last month) and I'm really pleased he has put in a performance which has helped us win the game."