A second-half double from Aleksandar Mitrovic helped Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle see off in-form Preston to make it six league wins in a row with a 2-1 victory at Deepdale.
The defeat ended Preston's unbeaten run of six league matches, though the hosts did make it a nervy ending with a late goal from Jermaine Beckford.
It was the second meeting between sides this week after Newcastle hammered Preston 6-0 in the EFL Cup fourth round.
Mitrovic led the line for Newcastle in the absence of the Championship's top scorer Dwight Gayle and had penalty claims waved away after 11 minutes when he tangled with Tom Clarke.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores twice as Newcastle beat Preston at Deepdale
