THE development of Alan Pardew’s new-look Newcastle United took another step at the weekend when the Magpies proved they can play badly and win.

It surely was not October – the heat was stifling and Newcastle yet to suffer their first defeat this season.

It seemed they might be brought back down to earth with a bump as a Wolverhampton Wanderers team which had lost its last three Premier League matches dominated their in-form visitors.

Instead, the day ended with Newcastle up to third in the table.

Nobody likes to see their team outplayed, but to do so and come out on top is strangely satisfying.

Luck played a big part. Referee Mark Halsey ought to have given a first-half penalty and linesman Ron Ganfield guessed in Newcastle’s favour to prevent a dramatic equaliser.

However, to misquote legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the more teams win the luckier they tend to get.

Besides, there was more to it than fortune. Newcastle have shown their spirit on numerous occasions already this season, but never was it writ larger than in the west Midlands.

Steven Taylor led the way, playing the last-action hero role he so loves.

The determination Jonás Gutiérrez had shown earlier to find the net was back on display when Steven Fletcher nodded to Jamie O’Hara with minutes remaining.

As the midfielder prepared to shoot, Taylor flung himself left, putting his chest in the way.

If Taylor impressed, goalkeeper Tim Krul outdid him.

So inactive so often this season, it took just two minutes for the Dutchman to be pressed into service.

Despite Roger Johnson’s best efforts, no one touched O’Hara’s whipped free-kick until Krul plunged low to his right.

He was alert again in the 13th minute when Fletcher’s pass released strike partner Kevin Doyle, blocking with his right upper arm.

It would not be the last time he showed eagerness to leave his line, coming long distances to take crosses as his confidence grew. That, in turn, puts defenders’ minds at rest.

He was equally adept with his feet, keeping out Doyle’s deflected shot, then helped by Ryan Taylor, who leapt into a tackle before Fletcher could attack the loose ball.

All that in the first half alone.

When Yohan Cabaye stood over a 17th-minute corner, the only threat Newcastle had posed was a counter-attack snuffed out by Richard Stearman’s tackle on Leon Best and a Gutiérrez shot he failed to get enough curl on.