GettyImagesShola Ameobi fires Newcastle into the lead against QPR

QPR came to St James' Park without an away league win in 2012 and the more pessimistic Newcastle fans began to worry that Newcastle would help them to end that run. Newcastle United can be the gift that keeps on giving for opposition sides!

- Super sub Ameobi claims winner

When Robert Green began time wasting 20 minutes in at 0-0 the visitors' intentions became clear - despite only having one win to their name this season and being in danger of losing touch with sides above them, Redknapp set QPR out to play for a draw. His tactics almost worked.

Newcastle sent forward wave after wave of attack but QPR resisted them with ease, Robert Green had very little to do. The former England man almost added another calamity to his collection when, under little pressure, he almost dropped a corner kick into his own net. Referee Kevin Friend helped the visitors with their plans too. His pedantic performance managed to disrupt and slow down the game throughout - moving the ball back by a few centimetres every time either side had a free-kick was a particular favourite of his.

For once Alan Pardew's substitutions changed the game in Newcastle's favour. Despite a lot of territorial possession Newcastle had no cutting edge so Gabriel Obertan came on for the woeful Jonas Gutierrez (Jonas needs some time on the bench) and Shola Ameobi replaced Papiss Cisse. The Cisse withdrawal was the first time since shortly after he arrived that a significant number of fans voiced their displeasure at Pardew. Boos echoed around the Gallowgate end and they chanted Cisse's name. Cisse reacted by refusing to shake his managers hand. This is a striker who is low on confidence and Pardew's continued insistence on playing him out of position on the right wing is doing Cisse and the team more harm than good.

Obertan made a real impact. Jonas is going through a real slump and his delivery remains very poor. He did attempt a lot more crosses than normal but most of them were apparently laser guided straight onto Ryan Nelson's right foot. Obertan added pace and enthusiasm on the front foot and on the back foot. There are a lot of Obertan-sceptics amongst the St James' crowd but I believe that he deserves more playing time after his European performances and this showing.

Newcastle continued to press but the best opportunities came from direct free-kicks. Demba Ba, like the biggest boy in the school playground, took it upon himself to take our first three all of which were terrible.

As the clocked ticked on a moment of magic from Shola Ameobi won the game for the Magpies. Marveaux (who had replaced Tiote) passed out wide right to Shola who cut back and placed the ball beautifully into the far corner with his left foot. A top class goal on the big man's 350th appearance for the club and only his second goal in 32 league appearances. A vital three points in the bag.

In summary

Tim Krul will never have an easier afternoon. Based on their league standing and performance on Saturday I can't see QPR playing in the Premier League next season though it is likely they'll spend big again in January.

Newcastle played quite well though the lack of creativity in the absence of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa is a big concern. The win is vital though as Newcastle head to Old Trafford and then the Emirates over the next week.

They'll go to Manchester without Cheick Tiote too - his fifth yellow card of the season rules him out for the game. This reflects exactly why Tiote has struggled this season - the QPR game was his best performance in months but his cycle is: play well, get suspended or injured, return to the team then struggle to get back to that form, then repeat.

I wonder if Santa could deliver me a Newcastle win in Manchester or London this Christmas? Well you never know...

Have a great Christmas folks.

Twitter: @MarcSDuffy

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