Full-Time: NEWCASTLE 1-2 BLACKBURN. Referee Steve Tanner brings the game to a close.
90
Yellow Card
Jason Roberts is cautioned for a rash challenge.
89
The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time.
88
Newcastle just can't seem to break down their opponents and the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel is slowly fading as the home fans begin to pour out of the stadium.
86
Coloccini hits an ambitious volley from distance and unsurprisingly fails to work Brown.
86
The visitors are happy to just hold the ball up and run the clock down now, while there is a real sense of urgency about Newcastle.
83
Substitution
A defensive substitution from Paul Ince as Andre Ooijer replaces Matt Derbyshire
83
Substitution
Roque Santa Cruz makes way for Jason Roberts
82
With Edgar and Ameobi on Newcastle have extra height to look for on set pieces, but they fail to make two corners count as we approach the final stages of the game.
80
Substitution
Charles N'Zogbia seems to have picked up a knock as he limps off the pitch and is replaced by David Edgar
77
Ameobi reaches the byline and pulls the ball back looking for a team-mate, but it lacks enough pace to cause any problems and Blackburn clear the danger.
75
Fowler plays through Derbyshire whose shot is deflected off target, but the striker may have played through Fowler again who had made a dangerous looking run.
72
N'Zogbia is running with pace at the Rovers defence and is taken out by Nelsen. The defender has already been booked and everyone inside the stadium is bemused as Steve Tanner waves play on without even giving a free-kick!
70
Substitution
Chris Hughton changes things around with an attacking substitution, replacing Geremi with Shola Ameobi.
67
Duff sends a low ball across the face of goal but it is just a fraction too far ahead of Xisco and Geremi who come close to levelling the scoreline.
65
N'Zogbia has been the victim a lot of strong challenges today, but the French midfielder is pulling through and has arguably been his side's best player so far.
64
Yellow Card
Ryan Nelsen is cautioned for a rash challenge on Michael Owen.
63
Xisco looks a lot more lively since the interval and his movement is much sharper, but he needs more supply if he is going to try and put Newcastle back on level terms.
61
Substitution
Robbie Fowler is introduced, replacing Carlos Villanueva
60
Xisco gets behind the Rovers defence and is through on goal, but the linesman's flag is raised for offside.
58
Paul Ince looks nervy on the sideline and it looks like the manager may consider switching his side around with a substitution.
55
Germi hits an ambitious shot from outside the box and it sails straight down the throat of Jason Brown.
53
Newcastle are all over their opponents and are enjoying a lot of possession and if they can keep this up, another goal is likely.
51
Geremi picks out Xisco the box but he directs his header wide of the target.
50
St. James' Park has come back alive now and the home faithful are urging their side forward for another goal.
49
Goal
NEWCASTLE 1 - 2 BLACKBURN: MICHAEL OWEN makes not mistake from the spot, smashing the ball right down the middle of the goal.
49
PENALTY to Newcastle. Owen is brought down inside the box with his back to goal as Nelsen catches him from behind. Steve Tanner points straight to the spot.
47
Damien Duff turns his maker inside out and chips a cross into the box and the whole of St. James' Park appeals for handball against Martin Olsson, but the referee waves away the protests.
Second half
Newcastle start the second-half and they have a big job on their hands if they are going to turn this game around.
Half time
HALF TIME: Newcastle 0 - 2 Blackburn - The half-time whistle could not come sooner for the home side. Boos ring around the stadium as the sides leave the field, with the visitors taking a much deserved lead in at the break.
43
The lack of confidence and leadership in the Newcastle ranks is really showing now and St James' Park is shell-shocked.
41
Goal
NEWCASTLE 0 - 2 BLACKBURN: Emerton has plenty of time on the right flank to pick out a cross, and he finds ROQUE SANTA CRUZ who rises above everyone to send a powerful header into the far corner.
40
The home side get another chance with a free-kick in a decent position, but again Geremi's delivery is poor and doesn't beat the first man.
38
Newcastle win a couple of corners in quick succession, but Geremi fails to make them count with some poor deliveries.
37
Yellow Card
Stephen Warnock is the second name in the referee's notebook.
35
N'Zogbia shows frustration as he flies in on Stephen Warnock, catching him late but is not cautioned for the challenge.
32
Nothing seems to be going right for Newcastle at the moment, but it has to be said that Blackburn have been the better side in this game so far.
30
Goal
NEWCASTLE 0 - 1 BLACKBURN: Villanueva picks out CHRISTOPHER SAMBA with a cross and the big defender finds the bottom corner with a glancing header.
27
Taylor gets forward down the right flank and bursts into the penalty area but his delivery is poor, failing to pick out a lurking Michael Owen, and Rovers begin a counter attack.
24
Yellow Card
Brett Emerton picks up the first booking of the game after a late challenge on N'Zogbia.
22
Newcastle string together a nice flowing move involving Nicky Butt, N'Zogbia and Owen but Bassong rounds it off with a poor cross that sails behind for a goal-kick.
19
Cacapa slips and opens up an opportunity for Santa Cruz who's shot is parried into the direction of Derbyshire, but his header from close range is tipped around the post for a corner.
17
Owen is playing on the shoulder of Christopher Samba and despite the massive difference in height, he is causing the defender all sorts of problems with some terrific movement off the ball.
15
Stephen Warnock gets a shot away from distance and it deflects off the shoulder of Cacapa. The ball loops into the air and Given is rooted, but luckily for the keeper the ball bounces just wide of the target for a corner.
13
The home faithful are raising the roof in order to try and urge their side on as Charles N'Zogbia runs at the Rovers defence, but he knocks the ball too far and it runs through to Brown.
11
Geremi looks for Michael Owen with another nice looking cross, but it is just ahead of the striker who applauds his team-mate's efforts.
9
The visitors have Newcastle very well in the opening stages of the game and are seeing a lot more of the ball
7
Tugay picks out Derbyshire with a fine through ball and the striker skips away from Steven Taylor before his placed shot is palmed away by Shay Given.
5
Rovers get a lucky break and Roque Santa Cruz runs at goal. He has options either side and Matt Derbyshire is screaming for the ball in an excellent position,but the Paraguayan fails to make the most of the opportunity and Newcastle regain possession
3
Blackburn lob a free-kick into the mixer and a couple of players appeal for handball against Sebastien Bassong, but the referee waves play on.
1
Geremi whips an inviting cross into the danger area, but his team-mates fail to get on the end of it and Jason Brown gratefully collects the ball.
Paul Robinson is not fully fit and is on the bench for Paul Ince's side today, so Jason Brown will make his debut in goal. Ryan Nelsen, Christopher Samba, Brett Emerton, Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Villanueva all return to the starting line-up.
Awaiting Kickoff
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton makes one change to the side that lost to Tottenham in the Carling cup midweek; Xisco joins Michael Owen up-front as Obafemi Martins is injured. Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton are suspended.
Newcastle United
Blackburn Rovers
Full time
Full-Time: NEWCASTLE 1-2 BLACKBURN. Referee Steve Tanner brings the game to a close.
Yellow Card
Jason Roberts is cautioned for a rash challenge.
The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time.
Newcastle just can't seem to break down their opponents and the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel is slowly fading as the home fans begin to pour out of the stadium.
Coloccini hits an ambitious volley from distance and unsurprisingly fails to work Brown.
The visitors are happy to just hold the ball up and run the clock down now, while there is a real sense of urgency about Newcastle.
Substitution
A defensive substitution from Paul Ince as Andre Ooijer replaces Matt Derbyshire
Substitution
Roque Santa Cruz makes way for Jason Roberts
With Edgar and Ameobi on Newcastle have extra height to look for on set pieces, but they fail to make two corners count as we approach the final stages of the game.
Substitution
Charles N'Zogbia seems to have picked up a knock as he limps off the pitch and is replaced by David Edgar
Ameobi reaches the byline and pulls the ball back looking for a team-mate, but it lacks enough pace to cause any problems and Blackburn clear the danger.
Fowler plays through Derbyshire whose shot is deflected off target, but the striker may have played through Fowler again who had made a dangerous looking run.
N'Zogbia is running with pace at the Rovers defence and is taken out by Nelsen. The defender has already been booked and everyone inside the stadium is bemused as Steve Tanner waves play on without even giving a free-kick!
Substitution
Chris Hughton changes things around with an attacking substitution, replacing Geremi with Shola Ameobi.
Duff sends a low ball across the face of goal but it is just a fraction too far ahead of Xisco and Geremi who come close to levelling the scoreline.
N'Zogbia has been the victim a lot of strong challenges today, but the French midfielder is pulling through and has arguably been his side's best player so far.
Yellow Card
Ryan Nelsen is cautioned for a rash challenge on Michael Owen.
Xisco looks a lot more lively since the interval and his movement is much sharper, but he needs more supply if he is going to try and put Newcastle back on level terms.
Substitution
Robbie Fowler is introduced, replacing Carlos Villanueva
Xisco gets behind the Rovers defence and is through on goal, but the linesman's flag is raised for offside.
Paul Ince looks nervy on the sideline and it looks like the manager may consider switching his side around with a substitution.
Germi hits an ambitious shot from outside the box and it sails straight down the throat of Jason Brown.
Newcastle are all over their opponents and are enjoying a lot of possession and if they can keep this up, another goal is likely.
Geremi picks out Xisco the box but he directs his header wide of the target.
St. James' Park has come back alive now and the home faithful are urging their side forward for another goal.
Goal
NEWCASTLE 1 - 2 BLACKBURN: MICHAEL OWEN makes not mistake from the spot, smashing the ball right down the middle of the goal.
PENALTY to Newcastle. Owen is brought down inside the box with his back to goal as Nelsen catches him from behind. Steve Tanner points straight to the spot.
Damien Duff turns his maker inside out and chips a cross into the box and the whole of St. James' Park appeals for handball against Martin Olsson, but the referee waves away the protests.
Second half
Newcastle start the second-half and they have a big job on their hands if they are going to turn this game around.
Half time
HALF TIME: Newcastle 0 - 2 Blackburn - The half-time whistle could not come sooner for the home side. Boos ring around the stadium as the sides leave the field, with the visitors taking a much deserved lead in at the break.
The lack of confidence and leadership in the Newcastle ranks is really showing now and St James' Park is shell-shocked.
Goal
NEWCASTLE 0 - 2 BLACKBURN: Emerton has plenty of time on the right flank to pick out a cross, and he finds ROQUE SANTA CRUZ who rises above everyone to send a powerful header into the far corner.
The home side get another chance with a free-kick in a decent position, but again Geremi's delivery is poor and doesn't beat the first man.
Newcastle win a couple of corners in quick succession, but Geremi fails to make them count with some poor deliveries.
Yellow Card
Stephen Warnock is the second name in the referee's notebook.
N'Zogbia shows frustration as he flies in on Stephen Warnock, catching him late but is not cautioned for the challenge.
Nothing seems to be going right for Newcastle at the moment, but it has to be said that Blackburn have been the better side in this game so far.
Goal
NEWCASTLE 0 - 1 BLACKBURN: Villanueva picks out CHRISTOPHER SAMBA with a cross and the big defender finds the bottom corner with a glancing header.
Taylor gets forward down the right flank and bursts into the penalty area but his delivery is poor, failing to pick out a lurking Michael Owen, and Rovers begin a counter attack.
Yellow Card
Brett Emerton picks up the first booking of the game after a late challenge on N'Zogbia.
Newcastle string together a nice flowing move involving Nicky Butt, N'Zogbia and Owen but Bassong rounds it off with a poor cross that sails behind for a goal-kick.
Cacapa slips and opens up an opportunity for Santa Cruz who's shot is parried into the direction of Derbyshire, but his header from close range is tipped around the post for a corner.
Owen is playing on the shoulder of Christopher Samba and despite the massive difference in height, he is causing the defender all sorts of problems with some terrific movement off the ball.
Stephen Warnock gets a shot away from distance and it deflects off the shoulder of Cacapa. The ball loops into the air and Given is rooted, but luckily for the keeper the ball bounces just wide of the target for a corner.
The home faithful are raising the roof in order to try and urge their side on as Charles N'Zogbia runs at the Rovers defence, but he knocks the ball too far and it runs through to Brown.
Geremi looks for Michael Owen with another nice looking cross, but it is just ahead of the striker who applauds his team-mate's efforts.
The visitors have Newcastle very well in the opening stages of the game and are seeing a lot more of the ball
Tugay picks out Derbyshire with a fine through ball and the striker skips away from Steven Taylor before his placed shot is palmed away by Shay Given.
Rovers get a lucky break and Roque Santa Cruz runs at goal. He has options either side and Matt Derbyshire is screaming for the ball in an excellent position,but the Paraguayan fails to make the most of the opportunity and Newcastle regain possession
Blackburn lob a free-kick into the mixer and a couple of players appeal for handball against Sebastien Bassong, but the referee waves play on.
Geremi whips an inviting cross into the danger area, but his team-mates fail to get on the end of it and Jason Brown gratefully collects the ball.
Kickoff
Referee Steve Tanner gets the game underway
Awaiting Kickoff
BLACKBURN: Brown, Simpson, Nelsen, Samba, Warnock, Emerton, Olsson, Kerimoglu, Derbyshire, Roque Santa Cruz, Villanueva. SUBS: Robinson, Pedersen, Andrews, Fowler, Treacy, Roberts, Marrow
Awaiting Kickoff
NEWCASTLE: Given, Bassong, Taylor, Coloccini, Cacapa, Geremi, Butt, Duff, N'Zogbia, Xisco, Owen. SUBS: Harper, Ameobi, Edgar, Tozer, Doninger, Donaldson, Ranger.
Awaiting Kickoff
Paul Robinson is not fully fit and is on the bench for Paul Ince's side today, so Jason Brown will make his debut in goal. Ryan Nelsen, Christopher Samba, Brett Emerton, Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Villanueva all return to the starting line-up.
Awaiting Kickoff
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton makes one change to the side that lost to Tottenham in the Carling cup midweek; Xisco joins Michael Owen up-front as Obafemi Martins is injured. Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton are suspended.