The Blaydon Races was belted out into the cool south coast air and some Geordie fans ripped off their shirts despite the plummeting temperatures.
It was their way to mark what could well be a defining moment in a long, tough and testing Championship season.
As Ayoze Perez fired in an 89th-minute winner the fans who made the 692-mile round-trip suddenly remembered why they travel up and down the country to roar their side on.
The moment was a reward for a night of backing their side in a game they’d been under the cosh for long periods.
After the final whistle signalled the Magpies were back at the top of the table DeAndre Yedlin and Christian Atsu removed their shirts too as they handed out some treasured souvenirs to some supporters who’d travelled so far to get behind the team.
Looking back on an amazing night, Benitez said: “I enjoyed the win with them and said thank you to them. Our fans are amazing.
“When you play away you can see how behind the team they are. These type of games are more difficult because you are losing but they still pushed and helped the team.
“I’m really pleased because this kind of game means you have to travel far away.
“It is a difficult game that you could maybe lose, but still they came away with the belief in the team.
“So it’s really good for us and them to come back with smiles on their faces.”
However, Benitez had been far from happy with his team before that after United made life difficult for themselves by going a goal down.
Benitez said: “I don’t like being in that position. I prefer to score first.
“If you can guarantee me that we’ll win I can accept that but I am pleased we came from behind against a very good team.