After just one win in four outings in March, successive home games against struggling opposition gave United a glorious chance to get back on track – and they didn’t pass it up.
However, they collected just one point from the next nine available – opening the door for the likes of Huddersfield Town and Reading.
Neither side were able to put together a run of form, though, and by the time Preston North End arrived at St. James’ Park late in the month, Newcastle needed just one more win to make sure of their Premier League return…
Saturday, 1st April
Newcastle United 2 Wigan Athletic 1
After an injury-disrupted period, Dwight Gayle scored on home soil for the first time in more than three months to set the Magpies on their way to a valuable win over Wigan.
The visitors – languishing near the foot of the table – held their own for much of the game, though, and levelled through Michael Jacobs’ well-taken effort.
However, Matt Ritchie restored United’s lead in front of the Gallowgate End, heading beyond Matt Gilks after the ‘keeper had kept out his initial effort.
Wednesday, 5th April
Newcastle United 1 Burton Albion 0
Though far from being the most enthralling game, United’s narrow win over Burton – another side in relegation trouble – will live long in the memory.
Half an hour in, Ritchie coolly converted a penalty after a foul on Gayle, but – to the bewilderment of players, coaching staff and supporters alike – referee Keith Stroud disallowed the wide-man’s goal, and awarded the Brewers a free-kick instead.
After a lengthy stoppage – in which Stroud and his fellow officials looked to clarify what had gone on – the two sides headed into the break goalless.
Thankfully for Ritchie, United and the bulk of those watching on, the Scot did get his name on the scoresheet in the second half to settle a controversial encounter.
A post-match statement from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed that Stroud had misapplied the law, having chalked off Ritchie’s strike for Gayle’s alleged encroachment. Rather than penalise Newcastle, he should instead have allowed Ritchie to re-take the spot-kick.
Saturday, 8th April
Sheffield Wednesday 2 Newcastle United 1
On a sun-drenched evening at Hillsborough, play-off hopefuls Wednesday became the third side to defeat the Magpies home and away.
In truth, United never really got going, though Jonjo Shelvey almost opened the scoring from the halfway line just before the break.
However, the Owls took the lead just shy of the hour-mark through Tom Lees, with former Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher peeling off Jamaal Lascelles to add a second.
Shelvey did reduce the arrears two minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for Newcastle.
Friday, 14th April
Newcastle United 1 Leeds United 1
Despite a dominant performance, Newcastle were forced to settle for a point against Leeds after the Whites’ Chris Wood struck at the death.
The Magpies were in command throughout, and took a deserved lead through Lascelles, who headed beyond Rob Green midway through the second half.
But, five minutes into additional time, Wood side-footed home Kemar Roofe’s cross after a switch-off at the back.
Monday, 17th April
Ipswich Town 3 Newcastle United 1
United’s title challenge looked to be effectively over after a damaging Easter Monday defeat at Portman Road.
A bad day at the office threatened to become even worse with Huddersfield winning 1-0 at Derby County, but a late equaliser severely dented the Terriers’ hopes of catching Newcastle.
Goals from Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Emyr Huys did the damage in East Anglia, with Daryl Murphy netting for the Magpies on his return to his former club.
Monday, 24th April
Newcastle United 4 Preston North End 1
A heavy defeat for Huddersfield, coupled with Reading’s surprise slip-up at Nottingham Forest, meant that Newcastle would clinch promotion with victory over Preston at St. James’ Park.
And United set about their business quickly, with Ayoze Perez opening the scoring less than ten minutes in.
Jordan Hugill restored parity with a precise finish, but Christian Atsu put the Magpies back in front before the break.
And, from there, there was no turning back. Paul Gallagher was dismissed for the Lilywhites just after the hour-mark, with Ritchie converting the resultant penalty. Perez then added a touch of gloss to the scoreline as the party started in earnest.
Friday, 28th April
Cardiff City 0 Newcastle United 2
United set a new club record for away wins in a single campaign at the Cardiff City Stadium, a result which also kept their title hopes alive.
Both of the Magpies’ goals in the Welsh capital were impressive. Atsu netted the first, curling a superb free-kick beyond the Bluebirds’ Allan McGregor.
Isaac Hayden then struck for the first time since August, rifling into the far corner from 20 yards to make sure of a deserved victory.
