Newcastle United have secured a promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking under the management of Rafael Benitez.
The Magpies needed to defeat Preston North End at home to seal their promotion back to the top flight and they did just that with a 4-1 win.
A packed crowd at St James’ Park were in jubilant mood at the final whistle but they didn’t see their side have everything their own way.
Ayoze Perez opened the scoring early on but Jordan Hugill equalised for the visitors seven minutes later.
Christian Atsu put Newcastle back in front just before half-time after he finished well after being fed the ball by the impressive Aleksander Mitrovic.
Things were made a whole lot easier on the hour mark when Preston’s Paul Gallagher was sent off for a deliberate handball on the goal line. Matt Ritchie scored from the spot to put the hosts 3-1 up.
Perez put the game beyond doubt moments later in almost comedic fashion. Jonjo Shelvey’s corner hit the post, rebounded onto the Spaniard and into the goal.
With promotion now secured, Newcastle will have their sights set on hopefully catching Brighton at the top of the table. The Seagulls can secure a first placed finish by winning either of their last two games but the Magpies will hope to get six points from their remaining two fixtures and hope that Chris Hughton’s side slip-up.
