Newcastle Red Bulls: Coach says players ‘buzzing’ after Lyon win

“One of the most pleasing aspects of Saturday was how we reacted after the yellow card.

“Our response after that, the way we controlled the tempo of the game, we didn’t give away one penalty, we didn’t give away a point. To be away from home and for us not to concede was absolutely massive.

“The character we showed will encourage us and show that we can hold teams out and then capitalise and take our chances when we get back on the front foot.

“That determination and character when we were defending was fantastic.”

With four teams out of six in Pool 2 progressing to the last-16, another victory over South African side Lions at home on Saturday would put the Red Bulls in a strong position to go through.

Newcastle have upcoming Prem matches against Bath, Bristol Bears and Gloucester followed by their final two European group games in January.

“To get an away win when we’ve not had many of those over the last few years was fantastic,” said Dickens.

“The players were buzzing, and it was well deserved for the hard work they have put in over the last few weeks.”