TITLE IS SOUR AIM
NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Isaac Hayden has admitted losing the Championship title to Brighton would leave “a sour taste”.
Rafa Benitez’s title hopes were dealt another late blow at St James’ Park on Friday night when Chris Wood’s dramatic equaliser earned Leeds United a big play-off point.
It means Huddersfield, who are eight points behind with a game in hand, can still catch the Toon and beat them to second spot behind leaders Brighton.
Chris Hughton’s tabletoppers face strugglers Wigan tomorrow while Newcastle travel to Ipswich Town where they will help mark Sir Bobby Robson Day with their first win on their travels in four matches.
Newcastle have won only two of their last seven but ex-Arsenal man Hayden (right) said the players and fans could almost touch the Premier League, and want top spot.
Hayden said: “It always matters doesn’t it? That’s the aim, as much as you want to say it doesn’t, or ‘promotion is the main thing’ and of course it is, because everyone wants to get promoted.
“But I think there will be a little bit of a sour taste if we weren’t to go on and win the title. Of course, promotion is the main objective and you don’t get promoted without winning the games.
“There are four games left, so not many chances left to get points. It’s just down to us now to make sure that we get maximum points.
“It doesn’t matter about Brighton or Huddersfield, as long as we perform.”