Newcastle started the game brightly with Bellamy, Dyer and Jenas all involved in some slick passing.
Boro were industrious and looked to attack on the break but neither keeper was tested in the first half. Keiron Dyer wasted the best chance of the half shooting weakly wide from the edge of the box.
Boro started the second period with a renewed spirit and took a deserved lead after 67 minutes. Franck Queudrue whipped in a dangerous cross which found an unmarked Geremi who steered his header in to the bottom corner.
Boro were then in control with Juninho the inspiration. First his exquisite through ball found Maccarone, who's goalbound effort was deflected wide by Woodgate.
Then his probing lead to a chance for Parnaby, but he blazed over from 10 yards.
Newcastle's only offering was a run and shot from Bernard which flashed wide, and despite plenty of possession in the closing stages Schwarzer was never tested.
Newcastle's championship hopes are now surely finished after this under par performance, but Boro's season, with a promise of more to come from Juninho, is resurrected.