Head coach Alex Codling highlighted the attacking ambition and defensive resilience of his Newcastle Falcons troops following Friday night’s 23-10 victory over Sale Sharks.

The Kingston Park triumph leaves the Falcons unbeaten from their opening three rounds of Premiership Rugby Cup action ahead of next weekend’s trip to Leicester Tigers, with Codling quick to credit his charges.

“I’m very proud of the boys’ effort tonight,” said the former England second rower, whose side were 17-0 up at the break.

“It was a real game of two halves in some respects.

“I thought we scored some great tries in the first half and I was delighted by our attacking intent.

“Sale are a quality team and I knew they would come hard at us during the second half, but we showed real resilience and physicality in defence.

“There’s still lots to do from our perspective but we’re building nicely, and I was pleased with the effort from the team.”

Winning all three of their Premiership Rugby Cup ties with two pool rounds remaining, Codling said: “We’ve always taken this competition seriously, and a trip to Welford Road to face a strong Leicester side next weekend is a great challenge for us all to look forward to.

“As well as wanting to win the competition we’ve also used it as a development tool, and if you look at Ben Redshaw tonight that was a great example of what we’re bringing through.

“Coming in as an 18-year-old and starting against the Premiership finalists – I thought he showed some brilliant touches.

“That’s the exciting thing for this club in a wider context as well as enjoying a good win this evening, and as well as having the talent these young guys have got the belief in their own ability.

“That’s incredibly important, and against a quality outfit like Sale I was pleased with what we brought to the game.

“As well as Ben there were a number of really good performers out there.

“Without wanting to single out too many we obviously saw once again what Adam Radwan is about, and I thought Brett Connon went well at fly-half.

“He’s been asked to do a lot of things differently this season and he’s really embraced that challenge in a very positive manner, and I thought he managed the game very effectively.”

At pains to show his appreciation for the Falcons faithful, Codling added: “I also want to take the chance to thank the crowd for their support this evening.

“They’ve been brilliant with me from the moment I got here and they give the boys such fantastic support during the game.

“We want to entertain our fans and to encourage more and more people to keep coming down here to Kingston Park, and they’re a massive part of everything we’re doing.”

Newcastle’s next home outing is on Sunday October 8 when they host Caldy.

Tickets for the 2.15pm kick-off are on sale now by clicking here.