NEWCASTLE ARE BATTLING Brighton at the top of the Championship right now so every point dropped is pretty crucial. That means keeping costly errors to a minimum.

But, Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow conjured an horrific error that ensured a frustrating night for Rafael Benitez.

The 26-year-old, who has been linked with an £8m summer move to Chelsea, completely misjudged a dropping ball as he raced to the edge of his box to clear.

Darlow could only hit fresh air and turned to watch Cameron Jerome roll the ball to the empty net to give the Canaries a 2-1 lead.

It had been an exceptional start to the game with Ayoze Perez opening the scoring for the guests after just 24 seconds. The first time any Norwich player touched the ball was when they restarted.

But Jacob Murphy levelled after 12 minutes before Darlow’s clanger shortly after. Fortunately for Newcastle, they found an equaliser in the second-half when Jamaal Lascelles scored with nine minutes left.

Aiden McGeady’s renaissance at Preston shows no signs of stopping anytime soon

Difficult test for Conor Hourihane tonight as he faces club he captained just a few weeks ago