Chris Hughton's rearguard, shorn of injured trio Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor and Jose Enrique, were only denied what would have been third straight clean sheet in the 5-1 trouncing of Dave Jones's side by an 89th minute goal.

"We were actually disappointed with the goal late on, but I'm really pleased overall for the back four," Hughton told the Gazette.

Read Miles Starforth's match report from St James's Park
One foot in the Premier League?

"When you think that only Danny Simpson was a regular member of the back four, the rest did well.

"I was delighted with Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall and young Patrick Van Aaonholt, who have not played a great deal of football lately.

"If I look at what has got us where we are, it's the stability of the back four."

Hughton hopes Coloccini will be fit for Tuesday's visit to Derby,
having been left out as a precaution because of a hamstring problem.

"Colo has played with it for the last couple of games, but we have cover, and didn't want to take any risks," said Hughton.

Alan Smith (thigh) is also pencilled in for a return.

* South Shields Mags are running a bus to Tuesday's game at Derby County. It departs at 1.30pm. For bookings call Chris on 07730 508362.