DAVID Bentley was the inspiration behind a brilliant second half fight-back as Blackburn Rovers came from behind to claim a much needed win against Newcastle United.

Trailing to a 47th minute header from Obafemi Martins, Rovers mounted a stirring comeback which was orchestrated by the outstanding Bentley, who scored two stunning goals from outside the box.

Then in the first minute of injury time, Tugay made sure of the points with an expertly taken third, which heaps the pressure on under-fire Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.

In a keenly-contested first half, Roque Santa Cruz had a wonderful opportunity to fire Rovers ahead but fluffed his lines at the crucial moment.

Tugay set Rovers on the attack with a clever pass through for Benni McCarthy, and the South African's first-time flick sent Santa Cruz racing clear.

However, with just Shay Given to beat, the Paraguayan tried to dink the ball over the on-rushing Newcastle keeper but only succeeded in putting it wide of the post.

That was the closest either side came to scoring in a half that was entertaining to watch but short on clear-cut chances.

Stephen Warnock denied Martins as the Newcastle striker threatened to pull the trigger in the area, and Alan Smith volleyed wide after another United breakaway.

Then Brett Emerton blasted over at the other end following an enterprising 70-yard run, which began inside his own half.

The game exploded into life immediately after the break, when the unmarked Martins headed home a Charles N'Zogbia free kick from inside the six-yard box.

However, that lead lasted just seven minutes before Bentley restored parity with a stunning free kick from 25 yards out.

Martins then missed another chance for Newcastle following a mistake by the shaky Chris Samba, and that proved to be a key moment as Rovers snatched the lead in the 68th minute.

Once again, Bentley came up with the goods, his 20-yard drive flashing past Given and in off the far post.

Both sides had further chances after that.

Emerton struck the post for Rovers and Santa Cruz's follow-up appeared to strike N'Zogbia on the arm but no penalty was awarded.

Then Warnock made another courageous block to deny James Milner.

It was left to Tugay to finally ease Rovers' nerves, the Turk coolly bending the ball home with the outside of his foot following some unselfish play by Jason Roberts.

Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Tugay, Mokoena, Bentley, McCarthy, Dunn, Santa Cruz. Subs: Pedersen (for Dunn, 58), Roberts (for McCarthy,61), Reid (for Mokoena, 66) Not used: Savage, Brown Newcastle: Given, Beye, Faye, Rozehnal, Butt, Barton, Geremi, Milner, Smith, Martins. Subs: Carr (for Faye, 24), Viduka (for Carr, 72), Enrique, Emre, Harper Referee: Mr M Atkinson