NEWCASTLE maintained their recent revival with a third successive Premiership victory to haul themselves five points clear of the relegation zone. Two goals in four first-half minutes from striker Obafemi Martins and centre-back Steven Taylor set the Magpies on their way against 10-man Blackburn who had Stephane Henchoz sent off just before the break.

Although Morten Gamst Pedersen pulled one back, Martins made it six defeats in eight Premiership games for Rovers with an injury-time strike.

Blackburn had threatened more in the early stages, with Benni McCarthy twice finishing the ball to the net only to be denied by the linesman's flag. Rovers also had to contend with Shay Given in stunning form, the keeper producing a superb save from Andre Ooijer.

Martins opened the scoring against the run of play in the 31st minute, running on to Antoine Sibierski's pass to finish well. They doubled their lead four minutes later, a mistake by Pedersen allowing Steven Taylor to score from four yards.

Henchoz's straight red left Blackburn looking in dire straits, but just 75 seconds after the restart Pedersen got them back in the game with a 25-yard rocket.

Tugay and Pedersen were both denied by Given before Newcastle sealed their win in injury time, Martins taking advantage of keeper Brad Friedel pushing up for a corner by stroking the ball into an empty net from 30 yards.