RAFAEL BENITEZ watched his players make history in South Wales before expressing hopes that Newcastle United’s Friday night victory could still lead to a title winning party at St James’ Park next week.

The Magpies moved to within a point of Brighton at the top of the Championship by finally winning for the 14th time on the road this season; breaking the previous club record set by Kevin Keegan’s crop in 1992-93.

But Brighton will still win the league title if they can beat Bristol City on home soil this evening.

Newcastle, though, did their bit to keep the fight alive by defeating Cardiff City 2-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium courtesy of second half goals from Christian Atsu and Isaac Hayden.

Now Benitez hopes his history-makers’ victory will have given Brighton something extra to think about, even if both teams are already guaranteed an automatic promotion spot.

The Newcastle boss said: "I'm really pleased they have the record because I think the players were doing so well all season, especially away, that it was a pity not to have broken the record before. To do it today after the promotion and be closer to Brighton is quite positive for everyone.

"You never know (about the nerves and the title). Something that Brighton have is experience. We did our job. We're happy with that.

“Also, when you play away, always it's good for your fans if you can win, and especially if it's a long, long trip. I think that the fans were delighted and hopefully they can go back even happier."

Benitez was quick to head for the 4,500 travelling supporters after the game in Cardiff to celebrate with them and he was joined by all of the players.

It has been a mixed week for the club because of the HR Revenues and Customs investigations, which led to offices at Newcastle’s training ground and St James’ Park being raided by officers in midweek. The club’s managing director Lee Charnley was also arrested for questioning and then later released.

Asked about the strange week, Benitez said: “After promotion we gave them a day off. During the week they were training well. I think they were quite focused. You could see, especially in the second half, that we played very good football."

Newcastle will bring the curtain down on the season against Barnsley a week on Sunday at St James’. For now, though, Benitez is just satisfied with his team’s display and result at Cardiff.

He said: “I don't think I will watch Brighton’s game. I will try to enjoy with the family if I can. I can't change anything. Why do I have to be there suffering or not suffering? It depends on them. We have to wait.

"Cardiff were very good. I'm happy with both goals, not just because it was a goal or a great goal, but because we have been talking about accuracy and being more clinical in front of goal.”

Atsu’s opener nine minutes after half-time was a brilliant free-kick after earning it himself. He was also lively from start to finish to remind everyone of his potential ahead of his loan from Chelsea coming to an end.

Benitez said: “The future of a player doesn't change with one action or goal. We know that he's a good player. We have to decide. I'm really pleased with him. We have to see where we are in terms of the squad and all these things.”

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock, meanwhile, was frustrated with referee Graham Scott’s display after watching his side have two first half goals ruled out. He was also unhappy with the way Atsu won the free-kick for the opener.

Warnock said: “I thought we were a bit unlucky, I didn't see anything wrong with Sean Morrison’s header - it’s a very soft foul.

“If you look at the free-kick he gave for their first goal, it’s a nothing free-kick. We have to start educating players what to do when you get a referee like that.

“I thought ‘Scotty’ had a bad game today, he was poor in general with his positioning and interpretation.

“Aleksandar Mitrovic came on and never looked at the ball once, he fouled Morrison three-times and he didn't see it - why? Because he’s not educated. There is no wonder, if Mike Riley’s his tutor, no wonder.”