Newcastle United stretched their winning run to six games in all competitions courtesy of a slender 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at St James' Park.
The Magpies were unable to get the better of their lowly-placed opponents in an evenly-matched first half.
Moussa Sissoko finally made the breakthrough for his side 12 minutes from time, however, to ensure that QPR remain without a point on the road this season, while Newcastle are now in the Premier League's top four.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how the 90 minutes of action unfolded.
Match statistics
Newcastle United
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 55%
Corners: 16
Fouls: 12
Queens Park Rangers
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 45%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, Newcastle did just about enough. There is no denying that they were the better side, although this was hardly a walkover against a QPR side who seem to be improving all the time.
The first half was evenly contested, albeit with the hosts enjoying more of the openings, yet it was not until a little over 10 minutes from time until Newcastle eventually made the breakthrough when man-of-the-match Sissoko finally got the better of Robert Green. Up until that point it looked as though things were heading for a stalemate, but the Magpies show far more belief these days compared to just a couple of months back, and were able to claim all three points.
Newcastle United's performance
By no means a vintage showing by Newcastle, but their supporters will not care one iota. This win, their fifth in a row in the Premier League, sees them climb into the top four with a place in Europe a realistic probability at this moment in time. Alan Pardew was on the brink of being sacked following the heavy 4-0 defeat against former club Southampton in September, but he deserves great credit for sticking to the task and leading the Magpies to their current lofty heights.
Supporters may still be torn over the leadership of their club, and that may never change, although today Newcastle showed the belief and character needed to break down a stubborn QPR side. Sissoko in particular caused danger, while Ayoze Perez was guilty of squandering a couple of chances which looked likely to cost the hosts. In the end it mattered little, though, and Newcastle comfortably held out for the win.
Queen Park Rangers's performance
Had the Hoops held on for another 12 minutes, this would have been seen as another point towards safety for a side who have shown signs of improvement of late. As it is, still winless on the road and now bottom of the division, Harry Redknapp will come under real pressure in the coming weeks.
Rangers face Leicester City and Burnley in the coming weeks, though, which offers them a real opportunity to turn around their current position at the foot of the table. If they are to do so, they must look to create more chances, with Bobby Zamora and Charlie Austin unable to link-up as well as they have done in previous weeks this afternoon. It is not time to start panicking jut yet, but QPR supporters will certainly begin nervously looking at the table following another game without victory away from home.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Moussa Sissoko: Even before striking the winning goal late on, the France international was his normal marauding self in the middle of the park, dragging his side forward on countless occasions.
Biggest gaffe
Having fallen behind on the 78-minute mark, QPR still had 12 minutes, plus five more added on during extra time, to muster an onslaught towards the opposition goal. They were unable to do so, however, and in that time they had just two real attempts. The first came from substitute Junior Hoilett which was smashed well wide, while Joey Barton saw his tame shot at the death blocked.
Referee performance
Chris Foy had one big decision in particular to make when Mike Williamson and Leroy Fer came together inside the Newcastle box in the first half, although in the end it looked to be the correct decision. The Newcastle centre-back ran across his opponent, although Fer did not really have the ball under control which did little to help his shout for a penalty.
What next?
Newcastle United: Judging by their recent form, the Magpies would play tomorrow if they could! As it is, their next game comes away at West Ham United a week today.
Queens Park Rangers: QPR face a huge couple of weeks with clashes against fellow strugglers Leicester and Burnley to come. Their position in the bottom reaches of the division could look much better or considerably worse come December.
Daniel Lewis
