Chris Hughton has praised his Albion side for earning an away win – and played down beating his old club.

Hughton enjoyed his first success back at Newcastle in five visits since being sacked as their manager.

But he said that element meant far less to him than the fact his side had a rare away win.

Hughton said: “It’s a big victory for us which we had to earn.

“We were up against more shots than we are in a normal game and that is against a side desperate to get a result.

“I think it’s the type of victory you have to work really hard to get.

“Sometimes in this type of game, Newcastle might get a fortunate goal or a brilliant one and then the tide turns.

“But I thought we were always threatening on the break and we had arguably the best opportunity with (Yves) Bissouma at the end.”

Asked about satisfaction in beating Newcastle, Hughton said: “I can honestly tell you it feels no different to winning anywhere else.

“This is a club I have very fond memories of and I always want to do well. For us it’s a big away three points.”