Alan Shearer won a personal penalty duel with Fabrizio Ravanelli as Newcastle made an immediate return to winning ways at St James' Park.
Newcastle skipper Shearer banished the memory of his spot-kick failure in the 3-1 defeat at Fulham, when he fired home in the 29th minute after Laurent Robert had been brought down by Derby defender Chris Riggot.
But United made hard work of the victory and had Shay Given to thank in the 57th minute when he produced a brilliant full length save to deny Ravanelli after the former Middlesbrough striker was tumbled over by Andy O'Brien.
It was another miserable day in the north-east for Ravanelli, whose side were crushed 5-1 on his return to the Riverside three weeks ago.
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