Charlie Mulgrew scored the winner as Blackburn snatched a 1-0 win against Newcastle in a match dominated by the visitors from start to finish.

Despite having 25 shots on goal from almost 67 per cent possession, Newcastle somehow couldn't find a way past Jason Steele in the home goal.

And that profligacy was punished by Mulgrew, as he stepped up to score a 74th-minute free-kick to ensure a second win over Newcastle this season for Rovers.

Image: Charlie Mulgrew (right) scores what proved to be the winner

Brighton's win at Fulham means the Seagulls overtake the Magpies to sit top of the pile, while Blackburn remain in the bottom three, but are just a point from safety.

Mo Diame was handed a starting berth after he was granted special dispensation to play, delaying his trip to the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, and the rampaging midfielder had the best of the first-half action.

Blackburn struggled to cope with his runs, and he came closest to breaking the deadlock as a ferocious strike in the 20th minute thundered against the crossbar.

Image: Liam Feeney (left) and Paul Dummett battle for the ball

Dwight Gayle was then denied twice by Steele as the Magpies turned the screw, but they still couldn't find the net.

Blackburn didn't register a single shot in the opening period, compared to Newcastle's 14, as frustration in the away end grew.

After the break, Newcastle continued where they had left off, and actually had the ball in the home net twice, but were denied by the offside flag and the referee penalising Ciaran Clark for handball. Both decisions were correct.

Image: Jason Lowe (right) tries to block a Matt Ritchie strike

Steele again had to be at his best to deny Clark moments later, tipping a volley over the top in acrobatic style.

Rovers substitute Sam Gallagher had his side's best chance of the game in the 69th minute, but sliced wide from the edge of the box.

The introduction of Corry Evans gave Rovers more impetus, and after Jack Colback's needless foul on the edge of the box, Mulgrew stepped up to score the winner - his second goal for Blackburn, the first coming in the reverse fixture at St James' Park in November.

Image: Marvin Emnes (Left) and Isaac Hayden contest a header

Mulgrew side-footed the free-kick into the bottom corner, but Newcastle 'keeper Karl Darlow may not be happy with himself, as it was on his side.

Newcastle threw everything at Blackburn in the dying moments, but a mixture of brave defending and poor finishing saw Rovers complete the job as Newcastle surrendered top spot.