Newcastle were plunged deeper into relegation trouble after rookie goalkeeper Karl Darlow's howler gifted West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 win on Monday.

Darlow allowed Albion midfielder Darren Fletcher's header to slip through his grasp in the closing stages at the Hawthorns.

The 25-year-old's mistake leaves Steve McClaren's third-from-bottom side two points adrift of safety after a second successive defeat.

It was an equally significant result for Albion as former Manchester United star Fletcher's goal secured just a second win in their last nine games and lifted them six points clear of the bottom three.

Newcastle lost against Everton on Boxing Day after Tom Cleverley struck with virtually the last touch of the game.

McClaren must have feared more bad luck would scupper his plans when goalkeeper Rob Elliot was forced to pull out after feeling unwell just before kick-off, giving Darlow his first Premier League start.

After an emotional minute's silence for former Albion manager Don Howe, who died last week aged 80, the hosts nearly took an early lead when James Morrison drove in a shot that was hooked off the line by Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini.

Newcastle threatened for the first time when Ayoze Perez's effort was a fraction away from curling into the top corner.

Albion striker Victor Anichebe, making his first start since the opening day of the season, caught Newcastle's Vurnon Anita midway through the half and the midfielder had to be replaced by Cheick Tiote.

As Newcastle adjusted to that change, Albion midfielder Morrison almost took advantage with a low shot that flashed wide.

McClaren's men came close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half when Paul Dummett's header hit the crossbar.

Albion manager Tony Pulis sent on Saido Berahino for the last 20 minutes, but the striker's arrival was greeted by jeers from sections of the crowd who remain unhappy about his attempts to engineer a move to Tottenham.

Anichebe appealed in vain for a penalty when he tumbled under a challenge by Darlow.

There was more frustration for the hosts when Anichebe's header hit the woodwork after a poor punch from Darlow led to a corner.

But Albion's pressure was finally rewarded in the 78th minute when Fletcher made a perfectly-timed run to head Claudio Yacob's cross through Darlow's weak attempted save.