ROVERS were knocked for five by some cracking finishing from Newcastle to ensure the title race will stay a three horse race.
Damien Duff had given Rovers hope nine minutes after the break by cancelling out Nolberto Solano's 24th-minute opener with a stunning volley, but Laurent Robert smashed a free-kick past Brad Friedel to make it 2-1 and substitute Jermaine Jenas slotted home calmly before Vratislav Gresko turned a Kieron Dyer cross into his own net and Craig Bellamy made it five in injury time.
Andy Cole was brought on midway through the second half and was roundly booed by the travelling Rovers fans.
Full time: Newcastle 5-1 Rovers
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