Rafael Benitez's Newcastle United extend Championship lead with easy win over Ipswich Town

Daily Mail | October 22, 2016

Newcastle went three points clear at the top of the Championship after an emphatic 3-0 win over Ipswich at St James' Park.

Two goals from Ayoze Perez and one from Matt Ritchie gave Rafael Benitez's side their fifth consecutive league win and saw them open a gap at the top of the table after Norwich lost at home to Preston.

Benitez made three changes from the side that won at Barnsley on Tuesday night with DeAndre Yedlin, Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez coming into the side for Vurnon Anita, Isaac Hayden and Mo Diame.

Mick McCarthy's men had not even touched the ball when Ayoze Perez (centre) scored

The Spanish striker scored after around 90 seconds to put the league leaders in front

Newcastle began to turn the screw and their second finally came in the 73rd minute

Matt Ritchie sent in a superb cross and Perez finished with a controlled volley for his second

Ritchie then turned goalscorer as he finished with the outside of his boot for 3-0

Newcastle are three points clear at the top of the Championship after the emphatic win

The visitors also made three changes to their line-up with Jonathan Douglas, Conor Grant and Grant Ward replacing Cole Skuse, Kevin Bru and Teddy Bishop.