The Dutchman fired past Paul Robinson from an Alan Shearer cross with just five minutes gone – but then his side was forced to defend for dear life after losing defender Titus Bramble to a groin injury as Spurs staged a fightback.

Only a brilliant double save from Shay Given to deny first substitute Robbie Keane and then Jermain Defoe denied the visitors a 68th-minute equaliser, and the home fans were forced to endure an agonising finish as Martin Jol’s side fought to the whistle.

Newcastle were rocking – but they might have extended their lead on 72 minuites when, after Dyer had been felled by Ziegler, referee Rob Styles allowed play to continue and Bowyer put substitute Shola Ameobi in down the right.

The striker surged into the box and saw his low cross deflected just wide of the far post as Tottenham survived.

Given made another excellent stop from Defoe with eight minutes remaining, after the strike had cut in from the left, and Bowyer survived a late penalty appeal for handball as his side’s defence and luck held firm.

Dyer could have settled it in the final minute of normal time when he broke down the right. His shot was palmed away by Robinson as Spurs escaped, although to no avail.