A BEAMING Rafael Benitez was able to reflect one of his ‘most satisfying moments’ as Newcastle United boss as Ayoze Perez’s 89th-minute winner secured a dramatic 2-1 win at Brighton.

Perez struck with one minute left to enable Newcastle to leapfrog their opponents and reclaim top spot in the Championship table. Perhaps more significantly, the result also took the Magpies eight points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town, who they face at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.

Perez’s winner capped a remarkable turnaround for the Magpies, who trailed to Glenn Murray’s controversial first-half penalty with nine minutes left.

Mo Diame’s deflected equaliser began the comeback, before Perez sparked euphoric touchline scenes as he stroked home Christian Atsu’s low cross to secure Newcastle’s 12th away win of a season that looks increasingly like finishing with an instant return to the Premier League.

“We have had some great games,” said Benitez. “I remember Norwich at home, that was a massive game and a great win. But the main thing here is that we were playing against a very good team, and when you beat a team like that, it always gives you more satisfaction.

“It is pleasing to win that kind of game, and it is also pleasing to win by coming from behind. When you are able to do that against a very good team, it is always more satisfying.

“It’s good to get three points away from home, on this pitch against good opposition. But I still have the same feeling I have always had – April will be crucial.”

Benitez was understandably reluctant to get too carried away by Newcastle’s dominant position at the top of the table, but last night’s comeback nevertheless felt like a defining moment in the club’s promotion push.

Before Diame’s equaliser, which came when the midfielder inadvertently deflected Atsu’s shanked shot into the net, the Magpies were set to find themselves four points behind Brighton. Instead, they are now two points ahead, and will head into this week’s games at Huddersfield and Reading with renewed confidence.

A win in either of those matches will make for a successful week, but Benitez insists last night’s victory will not change his side’s mind-set ahead of their trips to West Yorkshire and Berkshire.

“For us, the pressure will always be the same,” he said. “We approach every game trying to win, and that is not going to change.

“It’s not that we don’t have any pressure now. People will think, ‘It’s Newcastle United, we have to give everything to beat them’, and we still have to be able to deal with that.

“This result means we have confidence, but we still know the next few games will be difficult and dangerous. Huddersfield and Reading are doing well, and then it is Fulham. There are still lots of games to play, so we have to continue working as hard as we did today.”

Benitez felt Brighton should not have been awarded a penalty when Ciaran Clark was adjudged to have pulled down Murray in the area, claiming the Newcastle centre-half had been fouled himself during the incident.

Nevertheless, he was delighted with his side’s spirited comeback as they overhauled a one-goal deficit to claim all three points for the first time this season.

“It was a difficult night,” he said. “When you play against a good team, with the advantage of the goal from the penalty, which was not, it is always more difficult. A lot of things were against us, but the reaction of the team was good. We created chances, and we have to be pleased with the teamwork.

“Watching the replay, you cannot give a penalty in this kind of game from that kind of situation. We have only had two penalties this season, even though we are the division’s most offensive team.

“Diame was a bit lucky with his goal, but the winning goal was calm and showed the composure of Ayoze. We had to change to be a bit more dangerous, and I am really pleased with the players’ reaction. They understood how we had to be playing. We had to take a risk and play between the lines.”

Brighton boss Chris Hughton was understandably disappointed with the final outcome, but is hoping last night’s game will be repeated in the top-flight next season.

“I’d like to see this in the Premier League,” said Hughton. “Everyone knows the fondness I have for Newcastle, a wonderful side with a great squad. It’s testament to our side that we’ve stayed with them all season.

“The closer we are to Newcastle gives us the best chance of going up. There are very good sides at the top of this division, teams who don’t look like losing many games.”