Papiss Cisse scored two goals and created another as Newcastle United grabbed a firm advantage during the opening 45 minutes of their trip to West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

The visiting Magpies started the match in the ascendancy and broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. Hatem Ben Arfa squared for Cisse, who sent the ball past Ben Foster in the home goal from six yards out.

The same two players combined for Newcastle's second goal in the 12th minute. On this occasion Cisse was the provider, slotting the ball through for France international Ben Arfa to shoot left footed past Foster from inside the area.

Marc-Antoine Fortune headed over the bar during a rare venture forward for the home side in the 23rd minute, while Liam Ridgwell was unable to keep his effort from a Jerome Thomas cross on target.

Cisse claimed his second of the afternoon and fifth for Newcastle in the 34th minute. Demba Ba played in Ben Arfa, who in turn cut the ball back for Cisse to stab the ball into the net.

Victory for Newcastle will see them stay in sixth position, although they will be level on points with Chelsea, who are fifth.