Matt Derbyshire scored a 90th minute winner for Blackburn Rovers as they beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St. James' Park.

Kevin Keegan's side dominated for long spells, though missed a hatful of chances in both halves, and were finally made to pay as David Bentley sent substitute Derbyshire clean through on the stroke of full-time, and he slotted coolly past Kevin Harper.

The result sees Blackburn climb to eighth in the table, while Newcastle are now just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Michael Owen admitted that confidence on Tyneside was at rock-bottom this week following their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United, though they managed to put that behind them in a fast and furious opening ten minutes that lifted the spirits of the long-suffering Toon faithful.

James Milner was the first to get in behind the visitors' defence, and he cut back a fine ball for Damien Duff that may well have yielded the opening goal had it not been for a fine saving challenge from Andre Ooijer.

A rather hopeful penalty appeal from Newcastle was rejected as Alan Smith went down in the area under a typically robust challenge from Christopher Samba, and the Toon Army were out of their seats again moments later as the Smith missed a golden opportunity at the near post, heading wide from Milner's fine cross.

The first goal seemed only a matter of time for Newcastle, and indeed a deflected pass following an impressive burst of pace from Owen saw the ball fall for Duff at the far post, though the Irishman granted himself an extra touch that allowed Ooijer to get across and again make a vital block.

If the Newcastle fans were at this stage wishing that one of these chances had presented itself to Owen, then they got their wish just minutes before the break as the England striker was put clean through by a fine ball from Barton, though after rounding the 'keeper he scuffed his shot badly, sending it across goal and wide.

Not until time added on at the end of the half did Blackburn carve themselves out a decent chance, though they would have gone in with a rather undeserved 1-0 lead had Kevin Harper not made a fine save from Ooijer after Roque Santa Cruz's knockdown.

Newcastle remained the better side after the break, though were lucky to see Santa Cruz volley over from an inviting position on 52 minutes.

Five minutes later Nicky Butt followed up a fine piece of skill with a superb ball into the area, and though Owen's run took him clear of Samba, he saw his header magnificently tipped over the bar by Brad Friedel.

The England striker had a glorious chance to make amends midway through the second half after being sent clear by Joey Barton, though once again he was foiled by the big American.

With time running out and patience long since gone amongst the Newcastle faithful, the home side committed more and more men forward in their search for a late winner.

They fell to a fine sucker punch from Blackburn though, as a long ball out of defence found Bentley on the half-way line, and he played a perfect pass straight into the path of the onrushing Derbyshire, who did the rest.

Keegan is still left waiting for his first win as Newcastle boss, and must now try and raise spirits among his side ahead of next Saturday's trip to Liverpool.

As for the supporters, their indignation was made clear at the final whistle.

Michael FitzGerald / Eurosport