An Alan Shearer brace took him past 300 career goals - but it did not prevent 10-man Newcastle slumping to defeat against Blackburn in a thriller at Ewood Park.

What should have been a dream day for the Newcastle captain as he reached the landmark against his former club, turned into a nightmare as United were exposed time after time.

Nikos Dabizas' fifth-minute handball saw the Greek sent off and David Dunn's resultant penalty put Rovers in command.

Yet after Dunn's second, Shearer netted either side of the break to bring Newcastle level.

But Rovers raced away with the game in the later stages to record their fourth win of the season in style.

In a frantic opening, Dabizas was dismissed after being adjudged to have stopped Dwight Yorke's goalbound shot with his hand.

England Under-21 star Dunn made no mistake from the spot.

Dunn was celebrating again five minutes later, drilling the ball home to put Rovers in total control.

And only a goal-line clearance from Nolberto Solano kept out Egil Ostenstad's header.

But with Newcastle seemingly beaten, Shearer scored his landmark goal to give his side a lifeline.

The Toon legend completed his triple century of career goals by blasting home from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Henning Berg inside the area.

Berg could have conceded a second penalty minutes later when a Craig Bellamy cross appeared to strike him on the hand, although referee Alan Wiley waved play on.

Shearer's second goal was a trademark header, rising brilliantly from a difficult angle to power a Laurent Robert cross past Brad Friedel.