NEWCASTLE United returned to winning ways on a freezing night at Ewood Park – thanks to Tim Krul’s penalty heroics.

After defeats on their travels to Fulham and Championship side Brighton, Alan Pardew will be thankful for a hard-earned three points against a struggling Blackburn Rovers side.

But his side’s return to fifth place in the Premier League came after a fraught night, Newcastle far from convincing at either end.

Defending a fortuitous Scott Dann own goal that arrived after the defender inadvertently deflected Ryan Taylor’s long-range shot past Paul Robinson, they rode their luck against a doughty Blackburn side.

Rovers had three times as many efforts on goal but couldn’t convert – and were made to pay when Gabriel Obertan added a late second to clinch the win.

During a first half dominated by Blackburn, Newcastle were thankful to last ditch stops from Danny Simpson – who blocked a goalbound Gael Givet effort – and Fabricio Coloccini, who tackled Anthony Modeste when the striker looked certain to score.

Just before half-time Steve Kean’s side won a penalty when Simpsn was adjudged to have fouled Modeste, but Krul guessed correctly to save the resultant spot-kick and keep Newcastle in front.

A switch to 4-4-2 seemed to aid United in the second half, and they closed out a nervy encounter to move back into the top five.

But Pardew – who lost midfielder Yohan Cabaye for three games before the game after the FA found him guilty of violent conduct – will know his side must improve to retain that lofty position going into the final months of the season.