Toon’s stroll in the Park

Newcastle extended their Championship lead to five points  with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Saturday.

Goals from Lovenkrands, Nolan and Taylor secured an easy three points for United.

Within the first three minutes in-form striker Peter Lovenkrands saw his cross come shot loop over the top of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan from a tight angle.

Unluckily for the Danish International, his game ended ten minutes later as he limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury.

Manager Chris Hughton said: “Peter felt a tightness in the upper area of his leg and came off straight away which always helps.”

Even with the goal-grabbing forward leaving the field, a win for Newcastle was never in doubt as midfield general Kevin Nolan slotted home the Magpies’ second 11 minutes post half-time after side-kick Alan Smith had sent him one-on-one with the helpless Lonergan.

Preston failed to trouble Steve Harper and the Geordie backline throughout this match, with only veteran John Parkin looking close to scoring.

Newcastle’s power and pacey passing was key to their third goal which only deepened the wounds of their opponents.

Two substitutes put the icing on the cake for the promotion chasers as Fabrice Pancrate glided past on-coming defenders to square across the box for the resilient Ryan Taylor who drilled home from close range.

Preston now have a relegation battle on their hands, whilst Newcastle lead the way with a commanding lead at the top of the table over rivals Nottingham Forest and West Brom; automatic promotion now looking a certainty on Tyneside.