The Newcastle free-kick is played in low for Ciaran Clark, but his powerful strike is blocked by a diving Preston body.

Newcastle win a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area after Christian Atsu plays a neat little one-two.

It's on the far left-hand side, so you have no idea whether they'll shoot or cross...

Preston keeper Chris Maxwell comes and gathers a corner with real composure there. That'll settle him down a bit.

The keeper then belts the ball upfield for Tom Barkhuizen, who slices the ball wide of the target.

From one end to the other in a flash.

Preston goalscorer Jordan Hugill wins a free-kick about 40 yards from goal on the right-hand side, which Paul Gallagher swings in beautifully, but the danger is cleared before a diving Preston player could get on the end of it.

Hugill is forcing Newcastle into an awful lot of head-scratching.

Image source, PA

Shay Given
Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 live

Chris Maxwell's been lucky and erratic at the same time.

He seems like he wants to come for everything. It's a positive thing for a goalkeeper but when you come, you've got to catch it or get a good punch on it.

He looks a bit shaky on them at the minute and maybe Newcastle will look to put a bit of pressure on him.

Jordan Hugill is a big boy and Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden is on the end of an accidental arm in his face.

Hayden looked a little dazed, but is fine to continue.

In an almost identical move, Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie beats Tommy Spurr before whipping in a cross that Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell this time totally flaps at.

He's had a couple of nervy moments so far, has the Preston goalkeeper.

I spoke before the match about Matt Ritchie's ability on the ball and he delivers a great cross into the area from the right-hand side towards Aleksandar Mitrovic, but Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell gathers the ball.

Steve Stone
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Jordan Hugill's been a threat whenever he's been in the box.

It's an inviting cross but he's got far too much space.

From the resulting corner Preston defender Paul Huntington heads over the bar.

North End letting Newcastle know this ain't over yet.

What a crucial save from Rob Elliot!

A quick break from Preston gives Daniel Johnson a run through one-on-one with the keeper, but the winger's shot is tame and straight at the keeper, playing his first match since March 2016.

Image source, Rex Features

Preston's first foray forward of the match nearly ends in a sight at goal when Aiden McGeady's cross loops into the area, but Newcastle manage to clear the ball away.

You sense a fair amount of tension has been eased in St James' Park.

Steve Stone
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

That will settle the nerves if it was edgy to start with.

It's a simple tap-in, and now let's see if Newcastle can settle down and really make sure this game is put to bed.

Image source, PA

Nearly a calamity for Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell.

The corner is cleared to Paul Dummett, who punts a high ball back into the area which should be Maxwell's, but he somehow misses it allowing Aleksandar Mitrovic a chance of a header from a tight angle which he can't get on target.

Early scare.

Tyias Browning has been out for two months with a knee injury, and his lack of football is telling as he plays a straightforward backpass out for a Newcastle corner.

First bit of action comes from the right foot of Matt Ritchie, who crosses in towards Aleksandar Mitrovic, but it's just to high for the big forward.

How Newcastle would love an early goal to settle the nerves.