Captain Kevin Nolan plundered a derby hat-trick to hand manager
Chris Hughton the perfect ending to an eventful week as Newcastle
routed Sunderland.
The midfielder put the home side 2-0 ahead within 34 minutes and
completed his treble 15 minutes from time, after striker Shola Ameobi
had helped himself to two goals, the first of them from the penalty
spot.
It was the first hat-trick in the fixture since Peter Beardsley
achieved the feat for Newcastle in January 1985.
Sunderland, who had former Magpies defender Titus Bramble sent
off for an ill-judged challenge on Andy Carroll in the 53rd minute,
were never at the races on a day when their promoted neighbours
won at St James' Park for the first time in five attempts.
Darren Bent's last-minute strike was no consolation for the travelling
fans, many of whom had already left.
It proved a sweet afternoon for Hughton following a week during
which speculation over his future at the club reached fever pitch.
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