Axe fear for Chris after win; CHAMPIONSHIP.

CHRIS HUGHTON kept Newcastle joint top of the Championship but could be out of a job tomorrow.

The caretaker boss made it three wins in a row with a 2-0 success at Crystal Palace but knows most fans want Alan Shearer back in charge.

Owner Mike Ashley will find out tomorrow if he's sold the club to a consortium who have lined up Al's return.

But if it falls through Hughton is making a strong case to be handed the reins.

After seeing early goals from Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor, Hughton said: "I'm happy to be in this position and happy to do this job for as long as I am asked to.

"It's not about me putting down a marker for the job, it's about winning games for this club and the players have responded."

Newcastle are joint top with last season's other relegated clubs West Brom and Middlesbrough.

West Brom blew away Roy Keane's Ipswich with firsthalf goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Robert Koren.

Keeper Richard Wright prevented a much heavier defeat and even saved Luke Moore's second-half penalty.

Goals in either half from from Leroy Lita and sub Tuncay earned Boro a 2-0 win at home to Doncaster.

CAPTION(S):

Hughton: Waiting for news