Newcastle United coach Kevin Richardson has reflected on last night's 4-1 victory for the Under-23s against Middlesbrough.
The former Everton, Arsenal and England star watched on as the young Magpies steamed into a three-goal lead before the hour mark in front of 752 fans.
Boro inevitably clawed their way back into the contest but Newcastle walked off with their biggest home win of the season.
The resounding victory also ended a run of five games without a win in all competitions.
Richardson, who has been placed in temporary charge of the first-team, said: "I was very impressed considering it was a derby game.
"And the previous games I have been looking after I've played well in first halves and been in front and one or two individual errors put the opponents back into the match.
"That was a shame because we'd done well in those games even if the result might not have suggested it.
"In my opinion they had.
"This was a derby game and the mental side was going to be tough.
"We had to stick together and that's what we done and in a great manner."
Newcastle's second string climbed above Boro in the Premier League 2 table but Richardson admits they had to earn it.
Richardson added: "Players put their bodies on the line and made blocks.
"Dan Langley made some good saves and that's all part of the game.
"It is pleasing, whoever the coach is, to see that.
"It's good for the group of players as it gives them belief and confidence.
"That's all you can do for the players - help as much as you can."
