Dwight Gayle netted a hat-trick as Newcastle moved back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship in style by brushing aside play-off hopefuls Birmingham 4-0 at St James' Park.
The Magpies never looked back after hitting the half-time break with a two-goal cushion courtesy of Gayle's double in front of the Gallowgate.
And the Championship's leading scorer took his tally to 16 by completing his treble with 12 minutes to go to end Newcastle's recent three-game run without a victory.
By then Yoan Gouffran had already added a third seconds after the break to ensure Rafael Benitez's men moved a point clear of Brighton again.
Newcastle United 4-0 Birmingham City
