The team sheet was weak but, thanks to the returning Jonjo Shelvey, the performance was strong and Newcastle are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in five years.
Shelvey was back having served a five-match ban for racially abusing an opponent and it was easy to see why boss Rafa Benitez has bemoaned his absence during a run which has brought just two victories.
Still, though, the Spaniard gambled by handing debuts to young trio Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, Dan Barlaser and Stuart Findlay and defeat here would have been even more embarrassing than any of the recent cup exits under Alan Pardew, John Carver and Steve McClaren.