Fans show support for Benitez after Newcastle return to top

Newcastle United’s supporters made it clear their allegiance is with manager Rafael Benítez rather than owner Mike Ashley as they beat Derby 1-0 in the first game since a disagreement between the pair over the club’s January transfer strategy.

Matt Ritchie scored the only goal of the game with a deflected effort while DeAndre Yedlin cleared Darren Bent’s header off the line in the last seconds of stoppage time to preserve all three points and send Newcastle top.

And after taking the applause of the fans Benítez admitted that connection with the supporters had been vital.

“You could feel the positive atmosphere,” said Benítez. “The supporters were ready to help the team and the players responded. We need that until the end of the season. It felt like a show of support for me too, but they have always been amazing with me. I’ll be happy if they continue to sing my name.”

Derby were left ruing their luck but manager Steve McClaren – who was sacked by Newcastle 11 months ago to make way for Benítez – admitted he was also interested in finding out what was going on behind the scenes.

“I’m sure I’ll have a chat with Rafa over a glass of wine and I’m sure it will be an interesting chat given everything that has goes on here,” said McClaren.

Brighton dropped to second as a result of Newcastle’s victory but that paled into insignificance as the club announced that defender Conor Goldson will not play again this season after being diagnosed with a heart issue.

Brighton said a routine screening identified a “possible risk factor” for the 24-year-old.

“This is a significant blow for Connor, and the club, but this is absolutely the right course of action,” said Brighton manager Chris Hughton. “We wish him well with his recovery and look forward to him returning for us next season.”

Elsewhere, teenage substitute Ben Brereton’s stoppage-time goal completed Nottingham Forest’s comeback in their 2-1 win at home to 10-man Aston Villa. Jonathan Kodjia put Steve Bruce’s men in front in the 19th minute, but in-form striker Britt Assombalonga equalised just before half-time. Jack Grealish was then sent off after a second yellow card in the 78th minute, and deep into added time Brereton made Villa pay as their sequence without a win extended to seven matches.

Third-placed Reading were held to a 2-2 draw at Ipswich.