Newcastle United came into their EFL Cup game against Preston North End on the back of five Championship victories, top of the league by three clear points.

And while Preston North End were undefeated in seven, the signs were not good for the Lancashire club.

5 – Newcastle have won their last five games against Preston in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in the last four. Confident.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 25, 2016

The Lilywhites’ cause was not helped by the sending off of Alan Browne in the 27th minute. By half time, the game looked gone.

H/t at St James’ and Nufc are cruising at 2-0, although should be out of sight. Goals from Mitrovic and Diame, Browne sent off for Preston.

— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) October 25, 2016

Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a brace and celebrated in notable fashion.

Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrating after scoring his second goal for Newcastle tonight.
What a guy! 😂 pic.twitter.com/vhjF8CnCeo

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 25, 2016

Indeed, Newcastle managed five goals with time to spare. The Newcastle fans were enjoying their evening.

On a day when Newcastle would have taken one nil, here they are looking for number five with Mo Diameeee…
Oohh, absolutely glorious.

— Jonny Gabriel (@JonnyGabriel) October 25, 2016

And by the time the final whistle had been blown, the Magpies had notched six.

Home goals in 2016-17:
Newcastle United – 6 goals in 90 minutes.
Sunderland – 5 goals this season. pic.twitter.com/qcRpF3rC6u

— bet365 (@bet365) October 25, 2016

A night to remember for Newcastle, who celebrated with a song.

🎶 Mitro's on fire 🔥🔥🔥 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/1HGV0SMhcC

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 25, 2016

How they must be enjoying the extended stay of Rafael Benitez.

Newcastle's recent form:
WWWWWWLWDWWWWWW
Goals scored: 40
Goals conceded: 7
Always knew Rafa Benitez was magic…https://t.co/sozjqsj9e3

— BigSport (@BigSportGB) October 25, 2016

This Simpsons gif pretty much sums up Preston North End’s evening.

Newcastle 6-0 Preston. Preston's goal right now: pic.twitter.com/ApARF3iY1L

— Coral (@Coral) October 25, 2016

Never mind, at least Simon Grayson’s side won’t have to play them again for a while.

Big fan of how we're luring Newcastle into a false sense of security ready for Saturday #pnefc

— Josh Parker (@JoshParkerPNE) October 25, 2016

When you're 4-0 down and realise you're playing @NUFC again on Saturday. #PNE #NUFC pic.twitter.com/GZVhVuF4HH

— Newcastle Stats (@NewcastleStats) October 25, 2016

Simon Grayson has realised it's Newcastle again at the weekend pic.twitter.com/1816JCm6Q0

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 25, 2016

All the best, Simon.