 CHRIS HUGHTON says that Newcastle United must focus on nothing but their own business in the final 19 games of the season. The Toon boss will have a keen eye on West Bromwich Albion’s visit to Blackpool tonight at Bloomfield Road. The Baggies have the chance to close the gap on United to just three points and return to second spot with victory. United will be able to extend that lead again on Friday, with Albion facing a trip to Plymouth Argyle while fellow rivals Nottingham Forest host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday with the promotion race really beginning to hot up. However, Hughton told the Chronicle: “We are where we are, and we’ll 100% not under-estimate what’s below us at this moment. Forest lost to Derby, but they’re capable of going on another big run. “You also look at West Brom – who have won again – and Cardiff, who are also on a good run. “There are so many good teams. We’ve just got to make sure we stay focused on our own games.” Hughton is now the longest serving manager of the Mike Ashley regime after reaching the 32-game mark against Leicester City following his appointment, initially on caretaker, on July 1. Hughton has also had two spells as relief manager, but his spell this season has made him Ashley’s most successful boss, with 18 wins on the board. Since being handed the job on a full-time basis, Hughton is yet to taste defeat in a home league game, but the Londoner was keen to play down any sense of achievement yet. He said: “It’s an incredible fact, I suppose. “But my objective and aim is to take this club where it wants to go, and that’s back to the Premier League. “We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure we do that this season.” Meanwhile, United’s reserves endured a frustrating trip to Scunthorpe United last night. United had edged ahead through Kazenga LuaLua at Glanford Park before long-serving Iron man Matty Sparrow levelled. But the game was called to a halt after 53 minutes due to a frozen pitch. | 
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