Newcastle U23 striker Dylan Stephenson was delighted to score both goals in the derby win against Sunderland on Monday.

Stephenson now has 12 goals for the season.

"We're absolutely buzzing with the win," the 18-year-old, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club in July, told nufc.co.uk. "It's always a good feeling beating Sunderland too - it's just brilliant.

"It's also a massive win because it helps us stay close to the play-off spots. It's a big three points.

"The red card was a big turning point in the game. It was quite early which played into our favour which was good.

"When we played against Nottingham (a fortnight ago), they went down to ten men and I think that helped for tonight's game. We've had a few games where the opposition have had a player sent off so it was just about keeping concentration and being able to control the game."

Stephenson added: "I think I played really well, getting into the right areas especially with the second goal when I followed it in. That's what I've been taught to do.

"For my first goal, I'd seen the defender sprinting in towards me fast so I quickly chopped inside and was then able to score.

"I've now scored ten goals in the league and to do that just before Christmas is a very good feeling."