Newcastle United 3 Ipswich Town 0

IT takes over four hours to travel from Ipswich to Newcastle by car, but Saturday’s game at St James’ Park was gone in 60 seconds for the visitors.

The Tractor Boys had barely got out their pre-match huddle when Ayoze Perez put the Magpies in front with 59 seconds on the clock.

Ipswich hadn’t even touched the ball when the Spanish striker volleyed home Yoan Gouffran’s flick on from a Paul Dummett cross, and that pretty much set the tone for what was a very one-sided affair on Tyneside.

Concerned Mick McCarthy’s side would get men behind the ball and make life difficult for the home side, an early goal was just what Newcastle needed.

And although they had to wait another 72 minutes for a second the outcome of this game was never in doubt.

Having scaled the top of the Championship following Tuesday night’s win at Barnsley, Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town was the first test of Newcastle’s staying power.

Indeed, they passed with flying colours and now look like a side that believes they can remain on top between now and May.

They’ve already suffered blips and there will no doubt be more along the way, but the way in which Newcastle dominated a seasoned Championship side will give fans on Tyneside belief that they will return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

McCarthy said in his post-match press conference that he felt his side were “beaten by the champions”, but there will be no talk of titles on Tyneside for now.

Saturday’s performance was a statement of intent, but it also reaffirmed the success of Benitez’s squad rotation policy.

He recalled Perez to the side in place of Mo Diame and the 23-year-old made a strong claim for a more permanent role with two well-taken goals and an assist.

"It's always really nice to score for Newcastle, but the most important thing is the three points,” Perez said.

"As we have seen, any team can beat you. It's important to keep doing well, performing and fighting. We are up there, and we need to keep fighting.

"Hopefully, there are more goals to come. I'm confident. My confidence is growing step by step. It's important to me. I'm really pleased to be able to score and give the team the lead.

“(The first) was really quick. That gave to the team a bit of confidence. We were a bit more comfortable on the pitch, and did really well.

“The second was even more important. They were pushing. We had the control, but it was still 1-0. It was an important game and a good moment. Then we scored another one, so everyone was happy.”

Benitez hopes the competition for places will ensure complacency doesn’t creep in as the season goes on and Perez admitted the whole squad is united whether they are playing or not.

He said: "It's really important everyone is focused and ready for the chance. Once you are on the pitch you have to show everything.

"That's it. Whoever is on the pitch can assist, can score. The important thing is the team, and that is clear in the dressing room.

"That makes you feel like you have to take your chance once you are on the pitch. When you are in the team, you have to give everything.

"That's it. You have to be ready. We have a big squad, and whoever is on the pitch has to perform. That's the most important thing. We are doing it.”

After a strong start Newcastle had chances to double their lead, but a second didn’t arrive until the 73rd minute when Ritchie collected the ball on the right and sent a cross in for Perez to fire home another first time volley.

Five minute later Perez and Ritchie combined again, but this time the Spaniard provided the lay off to the Scotland international, who scored a superb strike with the outside of his foot.

Newcastle host in-form Preston in the EFL Cup fourth round tomorrow night, before they travel to Deepdale to face Simon Grayson’s side for the second time in five days on Saturday.

The win over Ipswich saw the Magpies move three points clear of second-placed Brighton in the Championship table, but Perez insists the squad are not taking any notice of the standings.

"We have to look at the next game (and not the table).

“We have the cup. We have to keep going forward in this competition. Then we see what happens.

"We have two games against the same team. It's going to be really tough.

"We have to focus and keep doing the same thing."