Result: Newcastle United 3-1 Blackburn Rovers

Demba Ba struck a hat-trick to maintain Newcastle United's unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The 23-year-old, who had not scored for the Magpies before today, claimed two goals before the half-hour mark following assists by Leon Best and Steven Taylor.

That lead was halved just before the break through Rovers youngster Junior Hoilett, who scored past Tim Krul from inside the area.

The goal that would prove to be the clinching one came eight minutes after the restart. Cheik Tiote was the creator on this occasion, crossing for Ba to head past Paul Robinson for the third time.

Visiting Blackburn's task was made even harder 20 minutes from time when defender Martin Olsson was handed his second caution of the afternoon for a foul on Best.

Newcastle are on the road next Saturday when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On the same day Steve Kean's Blackburn will play host to Manchester City.