BENNI McCarthy fired Blackburn Rovers into a 1-0 half-time lead at St James' Park.

The South African international pounced in the 14th minute to score his 22nd goal of the season, but Newcastle were furious his effort was allowed to stand, claiming the striker was in an off-side position when he turned in a left-wing centre.

Newcastle carved out the game's first chance in the sixth minute when Stephen Carr crossed to the far post and Kieran Dyer powered in a header, but Brad Friedel was alive to the danger and brilliantly shovelled the ball to safety.

Rovers then responded with a swift break of their own but Benni McCarthy elected to turn inside rather than shoot first time and his effort was blocked by a covering defender.

However, moments later the visiting fans who had made the trek from Lancashire were celebrating the opening goal.

Tugay laid a ball off to Stephen Warnock on the left and his cross into the centre found McCarthy, who had sprung the United offside trap, and he guided a cool finish past Steve Harper from eight yards out: 1-0.

Morten Gamst Pedersen then had a golden chance to make it 2-0 when McCarthy dummied a Bentley cross, leaving the Norwegian free 12 yards out, but his shot was saved by Harper.

In contrast, little was seen of Newcastle as an attacking force until the closing minutes of the half when James Milner and Scott Parker both shot tamely at Friedel.

Then the Rovers keeper made an excellent stop from Milner's free kick.

Newcastle: Harper, Solano, Onyewu, Bramble, Carr, Dyer, Parker, Butt, Milner, Owen, Martins. Subs: N'Zogbia, Ameobi, Srnicek, Ramage, Carroll Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Tugay, Mokoena, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts. Subs: Derbyshire, Nonda, Gallagher, Henchoz, Brown Referee: Mr M Atkinson