'Professional' display keeps Magpies in the hunt, says Jack

After a goalless first half, Christian Atsu set the Magpies on their way with a divine free-kick, before Isaac Hayden slammed home just his second goal of the campaign.

Chris Hughton’s Seagulls will secure the title with victory over Bristol City on Saturday – but anything less will see the race go down to the final day.

And, having made sure of their return to the Premier League by beating Preston North End earlier this week, Colback insists that United have not given up on the crown just yet.

“We had to come here and be professional. After the emotion of getting promoted on Monday, I think it was always going to be tough to lift yourself again so quickly, but everyone was top-drawer,” he told nufc.co.uk. “We came out and did a professional job, and we were comfortable, I think. The title is still there, so it’s a good result.

“Away from home, we have probably played better tonight than we have in other games, when we’ve really had to grind it out. We looked comfortable on the ball every time we had it, and we stifled their threat, really – long balls, and balls into the box. Full credit to the lads, because it was a very good performance.”

A fourteenth away win of the campaign was enough to secure a new club record – bettering the feat achieved by Kevin Keegan’s Magpies side 25 years ago.

Though not the priority coming into the business-end of the season, Colback was nonetheless pleased to play his part in history, with the midfielder also paying tribute to the quality of United’s goals in the Welsh capital.

“The first one, Christian has placed it perfectly, and Isaac’s was a nice strike, too – everyone’s quite surprised as we’ve not seen that before from him! But, it’s really good for him,” he said.

“To break the record is a nice achievement for the team. The manager mentioned it beforehand, and we had it in our mind, but it has been more about getting over the line and getting promoted. But, obviously it’s still something that’s nice to have, and it's good to be in the history books.

“I’m just delighted to be part of a successful team – a team that has been promoted – and it gives something back to the disappointment of being relegated last year.”