A goal in each half saw Newcastle secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over 10-man Brighton in the Sky Bet Championship.

Jamal Lascelles brilliantly headed the home side in front after 15 minutes in a scrappy first half at St James', with Brighton offering little attacking threat.

Sam Baldock's dismissal nine minutes into the second half aided the hosts' cause, before Jonjo Shelvey's first Newcastle goal on 63 minutes made sure of the three points.

Image: Newcastle celebrate the opening goal

The Magpies' third league win in a row sees them climb to fourth, while Brighton slip to ninth.

Rafael Benitez made seven changes to his side from their midweek Sky Bet EFL Cup win over Cheltenham, with injuries in attack forcing his hand somewhat, while Brighton handed a debut to Shane Duffy.

Ayoze Perez was given the task of leading the line on his own, but it was a far less likely goalscoring outlet who broke the deadlock.

Matt Ritchie's delivery was inch perfect, but Lascelles still had a lot to do. The Newcastle skipper arched his back and guided the ball brilliantly past the despairing dive of David Stockdale to send a packed St James' into raptures.

Image: Mohamed Diame (left) challenges Beram Kayal

Yoan Gouffran almost added a quick-fire second, but saw his thunderous effort from distance cannon back off the crossbar.

After the break, there was an immediate let off for the hosts. Beram Kayal was just onside, cut back inside, Anthony Knockaert lashed at the loose ball, but saw his effort from close range clip the top of the crossbar and fly over.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez was pleased with his players performance in their 2-0 win at home to Brighton

Then, the match slipped further from Brighton's grasp as Baldock was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

The Brighton hitman charged Sels down as the Newcastle 'keeper came out to make a clearance, clipping Sels's leg, earning himself a second yellow in the process. Seemed harsh.

Jonjo Shelvey believes Newcastle have made a statement after beating promotion rivals Brighton

Things went from bad to worse for the Seagulls as Shelvey made sure of the win. It was a needless free-kick to concede, but Shelvey took full advantage, curling the ball around the wall and into the net from 25 yards.

Stockdale denied Shelvey and Newcastle a second with a fine fingertip save, before Sels proved his worth down the other end brilliantly denying Kayal.

Hughton's men toiled, but they couldn't muster another decent opening, as Newcastle's momentum gathered further pace.