NEWCASTLE, England (AFP) - Newcastle United were still left searching for their first win under Kevin Keegan as Matt Derbyshire's late winner gave Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 victory at St James' Park here Saturday.

Even more worrying for Newcastle was that come full-time their side were just three points above the relegation zone, with talk of the Magpies being "too good to go down" looking decidedly hollow.

Newcastle's latest loss was compounded by the knowledge they should have put the result beyond doubt long before substitute Derbyshire struck with seconds of normal time remaining, with Michael Owen alone squandering a possible hat-trick.

Former Rovers forward Damien Duff had an early chance to score against his old club, his shot deflected wide before Newcastle's Alan Smith headed over the crossbar.

Owen saw his first good chance arrive 10 minutes before the break when, after rounding Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel, he shot wide of the far post.

Blackburn then had a chance in first-half stoppage time when Rovers captain Andre Ooijer saw his shot from inside the box blocked bravely by Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper.

And early in the second-half Blackburn saw another good chance go to waste when Roque Santa Cruz blasted the ball over the top.

Smith then dragged a 53rd minute shot wide of the post before Friedel ensured the match stayed scoreless by keeping out Owen's powerful header three minutes later.

The American was in action again just after the hour mark, getting a foot to the England striker's shot after Owen had run on to a pass from Joey Barton.

James Milner forced Friedel into another save before Harper blocked an attempt from Paraguay international Santa Cruz.

It seemed as if the match was heading towards a draw when, with Newcastle pushing men forward, David Bentley played a pass to the unmarked Derbyshire, who made the most of being left alone in plenty of space to finish with ease.