Newcastle United put the pressure on Brighton & Hove Albion with three vital points against Cardiff City on Friday night.
Second-half goals from Christian Atsu and Isaac Hayden secured the victory, which closed the gap between themselves and the Seagulls to just one point ahead of the leaders’ clash with Bristol City on Saturday.The first half was a relatively quiet affair, with the hosts having two efforts disallowed — one for a foul by Sean Morrison, and the second where Junior Hoilett was ruled offside.
The Magpies had chances towards the end of the opening 45 minutes, but it was after the break where they made the pressure count.
Atsu’s delightful, clipped free-kick broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half, and Hayden got in on the act with a fine left-footed effort from outside the box shortly after.
Cardiff had chances to cut the deficit, but the visitors held on for the win, which leaves Brighton needing three points against the Robins on Saturday evening to clinch the Championship crown.
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