Rovers keep European dream alive

Newcastle 0 Blackburn 2

Newcastle’s disastrous season took a turn for the worse when Blackburn claimed a comfortable victory at St James’ Park despite the presence of Michael Owen.

Benni McCarthy’s 22nd goal of the season gave Rovers a 14th-minute lead and Jason Roberts secured the points 17 minutes from time with his fifth goal in as manay matches.

Owen fired high over on the stroke of half-time and saw a 69th-minute effort cleared off the line by Christopher Samba as the visitors kept their UEFA Cup dreams alive.

Roeder made his move with 20 minutes remaining when he sent on Shola Ameobi and Peter Ramage for Dyer and Peter Ramage, but the game was gone within three minutes.

Warnock found Bentley down the right and his cross was headed home from point-blank range by Roberts for his fifth goal in as many games.

There was an air of resignation around St James’ as the game entered its final stages, and Milner’s 83rd-minute free-kick sailed high over as even a consolation goal eluded his side.

Martins dragged a shot across the face of goal five minutes from time, but the game had long been over.