Hughton hails table topping Toon

Last updated : 07 February 2010 By Michael Morris
"It was our best performance - especially from an offensive point of view," he said after the match.

"You can gain exactly the same from a dogged 1-0 like we did at, say, Sheffield United, where we got bodies in the way.

"But, from a footballing point of view, that was almost perfect. The early goals were the platform for the victory. It is very unusual to be 3-0 up after 15 minutes against a team of that quality.

"I was surprised that we went so far ahead and so quickly. They're a good side and a hardened one at that.

"With Chopra's runs and his goalscoring ability we expected a tough game. But goals change games, and when you go ahead early that's what can happen."

Dave Jones was pleased to see Steve McPhail back on the pitch after his cancer treatment.

"He has had the all-clear and I thought him being back today, he didn't look out of place," said Jones revealing the great news that Stephen is well again.

"Yes, maybe just a little half a yard, but that will come with games, that will come with the more games he gets.