Newcastle United edge closer to Champions League qualification with win over Brighton

Newcastle United took a step closer to a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season with a 4-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night.

With Liverpool in close chase, Newcastle United needed a win at St James Park to consolidate their place in the English Premier League top four.

Denis Undav turned past his own goalkeeper in the 22nd minute to gift Newcastle United the lead after a strong start to the rescheduled Premier League game.

Newcastle United continued to press Brighton for more goals until Trippier sent in an excellent free-kick for Dan Burn to head beyond the reach of Steele for 2-0.

So it finished at half-time to the delight of a cheering crowd at St James Park.

Brighton and Hove Albion were offered a lifeline early in the second half when Deniz Undav atoned for his earlier own goal, latching onto a pass from Billy Gilmour to pull one back for the visitors.

A fairytale stoppage time saw Newcastle United FC add two more strikes to step closer to Champions League qualification.

The buzzing cheers from Magpies were loud as English striker Callum Wilson showed composure to finish past Steele on the stroke of 90` .

Wilson then turned provider and was magnanimously to lay a pass for Bruno Guinimares to latch home the fourth goal and secure a 4-1 victory over sixth placed Brighton and Hove Albion.

The win takes Newcastle United up to 3rd place on the log with 69-points, four clear of 5th placed Liverpool in the top four race this season.