THE key stats and moments from the match against Newcastle

BRAD FRIEDEL: Inspired confidence with everything he did. Made a couple of top-notch saves and caught every cross he came for 8

LUCAS NEILL: Far more comfortable in his normal position even though he was up against the dangerous Laurent Robert 8

VRATISLAV GRESKO: One of his most consistent performances of the season. Looked composed under pressure and kept his concentration throughout 8

ANDY TODD: Back to his best again after an indifferent display against Middlesbrough. Hardly put a foot wrong all afternoon 9

MARKUS BABBEL: Given the unenviable task of marking Alan Shearer but he kept the Premiership's leading scorer quiet with an imperious defensive display 9

BARRY FERGUSON: Victory came at a high price as the former Rangers captain is unlikely to play again this season. He will be sorely missed 7

TUGAY: When Turkish star plays well, Rovers play well. He was outstanding in midfield after Ferguson went off 8

ALAN MAHON: Having a natural left-footer in the side opens up so many more options. Worked hard for the team and supplied a couple of dangerous balls 7

BRETT EMERTON: Got through a tremendous amount of work on the right and supplied the cross for the winning goal 8

ANDY COLE: Rose to the challenge of playing against his former club. Couldn't fault him for his work-rate and his all-round performance deserved a goal 8

PAUL GALLGHER: His youthful exuberance is a breath of fresh air. Caused United problems with his movement and popped up to score the winner 8

SUBS:

FLITCROFT (for Tugay, 29) Stiffened up midfield 8,

YORKE (for Cole, 88),

JANSEN (for Gallagher, 90)

NOT USED: TAYLOR, ENCKELMAN

NEWCASTLE

GIVEN: Looked sharp 7

HUGHES: Run of the mill 6

BERNARD: Ropey defensively 6

O'BRIEN: Amazing clearance 7

BRAMBLE: A liability 5

SPEED: Best days behind him 6

JENAS: Inconsistent 6

SOLANO: Couple of good crosses 6

ROBERT: Likes to shoot 7

SHEARER: Not his day 6

CHOPRA: Showed promise 7

SUBS:

AMBROSE (for Solano, 71) 6,

LUALUA (for Chopra, 71) 6,

VIANA (for Speed, 81) 5

NOT USED: WOODGATE, HARPER