The home side dominated the first half but Newcastle had chances after the break to take a point from the contest.

It needed a last-gasp goal from Du Wenhui - from a Joel Griffiths' pass - to make sure the points were absolutely safe.

Speaking after the game, the coach told the AFC's official website: "Generally I am satisfied with the game.

"However in the second-half, the team wanted to conserve our one goal advantage but I don't think that's a very good attitude. In future games we should resolve this weakness."

However, the coach said he was happy to start the competition with the win and that it had been crucial to get off to a good start.

"The first game in any competition always will be the most important. The result is in our favour and I am satisfied with that," he said.