Newcastle eye return to Premier League

Newcastle Manager Chris Hughton backed his team to power their way to a quick return to the Premier League after the fallen giants extended their advantage at the top of the Championship with a 3-0 victory over Preston.

The Magpies were far too strong for the visitors at St James' Park on Saturday and Hughton admitted it was brawn rather than skill which brought the victory.

"We have that ability to power our way to victory and, while this wasn't as pretty as the Cardiff and Coventry wins, it was nonetheless very satisfying," Hughton said.

However former Tottenham defender Hughton urged his players to guard against complacency after stretching their lead at the top to five points.

"Our preparation has to be the same and our mental attitude going into every game has to be the same because the league is too good for that," he added.

Nottingham Forest lifted themselves into an automatic promotion spot after Chris Cohen's goal earned a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at the City Ground.

The win was Forest's ninth home league success in a row, a new club record, but manager Billy Davies played down comparisons to the club's legendary manager Brian Clough.

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