Rampant Newcastle United are promoted back to the Premier League.

Ayoze Perez celebrates

Recalled striker Ayoze Perez netted a goal in each half as Newcastle United secured an instant return to the Premier League with a resounding 4-1 win over 10-man Preston North End.

Rafael Benitez’s side – resounding pre-season favourites for the Championship title – have faltered of late, winning only two of their previous eight matches as Brighton and Hove Albion stole a march on them in booking a top-flight place.

In the absence of top scorer Dwight Gayle, who has been struggling with hamstring problem, Perez came to the fore at a capacity St James’ Park, while Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie were also on target after Jordan Hugill levelled for Preston.

Ritchie scored Newcastle’s third from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, after Paul Gallagher was sent off for deliberate handball, and the celebrations could begin in earnest from that point.

Aleksandar Mitrovic saw a curling shot deflected agonisingly wide and Perez pounced when the resulting corner skidded across goal.

Rob Elliot – starting his first Newcastle game for 400 days – saved well with his legs when Daniel Johnson streamed clear on a slick Preston break but the visitors showed their teeth once more to level with 15 minutes played.


By James Dickens.
Full story at Yahoo News.