Home form has Toon Army smiling
Gary Speed had fired the Tynesiders ahead with 17 minutes gone and the points looked to be safe when Shearer headed home Craig Bellamy's cross 13 minutes after the break.
But an own goal from substitute Nikos Dabizas, who spectacularly headed Teddy Sheringham's cross past Shay Given, ensured a nail-biting last 17 minutes.