Preston 0 Newcastle 1:Kevin Nolan claimed a typically predatory 74th-minute winner to fire Newcastle back to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

The former Bolton skipper moved the Magpies two points clear of West Brom with a clinical low left-footed drive — his ninth goal of the season — to send the huge army of Magpies supporters into raptures.

Nolan endured a nightmare campaign last season after joining Newcastle in January and becoming part of the side that slid out of the Premier League in such dismal fashion.

Yet he is doing his best to ensure the Tyneside outfit make an immediate return to the promised land by recapturing the goalscoring form and drive which once saw him tipped to win full England honours.

Alan Smith, another player who looks back to his best, played a pivotal role alongside Nolan in the middle of the park. The Magpies skipper showed his stomach for the fight remains firmly intact with a fine display.

Defeat was on harsh on Preston, who gave Newcastle several worrying moments but lacked the kind of killer finish Nolan provided.