Alan Shearer shrugged off stitches and fatigue to save Newcastle's blushes against Wolves at Molineux today.
Shearer pounced to sweep home his 12th Premiership goal of the season four minutes after an horrendous blunder by Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given had gifted the home side the lead.
The Magpies' veteran striker had needed treatment for a head wound after the UEFA Cup win over Basle less than 48 hours earlier. But he passed himself fit and showed few ill effects although his team-mates struggled to hit top gear.
Wolves looked more likely winners with Joey Gudjonsson and Henri Camara both rattling the woodwork in the last 10 minutes of an exciting clash.
Dave Jones' men had started well but received early warning that the former England captain would pounce on any slack defending.
Aaron Hughes cut past Mark Kennedy in the Wolves box in the 15th minute before crossing to Shearer who clattered the crossbar from eight yards.
Wolves had looked more lively with Camara causing problems with his pace and giving an unusually hesitant Jonathan Woodgate trouble.
For all their attacking flair Wolves were almost caught out again in the 21st minute when Lee Bowyer found Titus Bramble unmarked at the far post but the defender headed wide.
Jody Craddock blazed an audacious effort over for Wolves before Blake seized an unlikely chance to grab the opener in the 21st minute.
He was as surprised as anyone to see Given charging towards him as he received Alex Rae's long ball 30 yards from goal.
And after more hesitancy between the goalkeeper and Woodgate, Blake squeezed past the pair and strode into the box before poking the ball into an unguarded net.
Camara brought a fine save out of Given before Wolves' defensive frailties allowed Lomana LuaLua to find space on the left and cross for Shearer to sweep home.
But Wolves responded well. Captain Paul Butler shot over then Blake bustled past three Newcastle defenders before falling under Bramble's challenge in the box - but to Wolves' fury referee Steve Bennett waved play on.
Gudjonsson shot wide from Kennedy's cross when he should have scored as the home side ended a tumultuous first half well on top.
The second period was a much tamer affair with Newcastle having most of the possession but Wolves the more clear-cut chances.
Blake forced a low save out of Given in the 55th minute after beating Woodgate in the box.
Bowyer fashioned a couple of half-chances but Blake missed a golden chance to put Wolves back in front when he headed Rae's 70th minute cross over.
Nine minutes from time Gudjonsson tried his luck with a long-range free-kick which hammered the outside of a diving Given's left-hand post.
Wolves threw men forward seeking to capitalise on Newcastle's weariness - and almost won it at the death when Camara got his head to Rae's cross only to be denied by the woodwork.
PA