Bentley stars as Rovers win

David Bentley starred as Blackburn defeated Newcastle by 3-1. Bentley grabbed a brace and Tugay also scored to seal the result. The defeat leaves Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce's future hanging by a thread.

Blackburn have 26 points and go to eighth place while Newcastle United remain at 18 points in the league table.

Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz squandered a golden chance in the 15th minute of when his clever chip over the advancing Newcastle keeper missed the target narrowly after linking up with Benedict McCarthy.

Newcastle United keeper Shay Given almost gifted a goal to Blackburn in the closing minutes of the first half when he left his charge to clear the ball which came to David Bentley whose shot went inches wide off the far post.

Newcastle United broke the deadlock in the very 1st minute of the second half, skipper Njitap Gereni`s free kick on the left side was guided into the nets by Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins 1-0.

Egged by the home crowd support, Blackburn levelled terms in the 54th minute through David Bentley whose curling free kick found the far corner of the nets leaving keeper Shay Given stranded.

Newcastle United almost took the lead, but the towering presence of American keeper Brad Friedel denied them success as he blocked Joey Barton and James Milner fierce strike in quick succession.

Bentley popped out with another stunner for Blackburn in the 67th minute when his low grounder hit the post and entered the nets to make it 2-1.

In the 81st minute, a costly error by stopper back Christopher Sambha saw Newcastle almost level terms but luckily Obafemi Martins header went out with keeper Friedel out of position.

Just when it looked Newcastle would return with a point, Kerimoglu Tugay outside foot shot outside the edge of the box shattered their hopes in the injury time.