Blackpool came from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 and inflict a first Championship defeat on the high-flying Magpies.
Carroll puts Magpies ahead before Ormerod and Euell strike
Blackpool came from behind at Bloomfield Road to beat Newcastle 2-1 and inflict a first Championship defeat on the high-flying Magpies.
It looked like the visitors were heading back to the top of the table when they went ahead five minutes before half-time via Andy Carroll.
But the Seasiders deservedly went in level at the break after an injury-time Brett Ormerod equaliser, while Ian Holloway's side then won it in the 65th minute when Jason Euell smashed home in a loose ball.
The win sees Blackpool move up to 11th in the league, while Newcastle, who conceded their first goals since the opening day of the season, remain in third position.
United arrived at Bloomfield Road for the first time in the league since 1971 and had their first real taste of what they may expect to face in the Championship back waters this season as the hosts, aided by a boisterous home crowd, dominated the opening exchanges and created several chances.
First effort
The Seasiders could have gone ahead with their first real effort on goal as when Euell broke down the left and fed Ormerod, he fired in a fierce shot that Harper could only parry at full stretch.
The rebound fell to Hameur Bouazza, who had the easiest of tasks to tap in, but the linesman had already raised his flag.
Harper was soon again called into action when Ormerod turned provider and found David Vaughan, but the midfielder, in a great position eight yards out and unmarked, could not connect properly and scooped the ball into the grateful clutches of the busy Newcastle keeper.
The pressure continued and Harper was keeping his side in it as he made a string of fine saves, twice denying both Bouazza and Keith Southern as Blackpool searched for the vital goal their domination warranted.
Having weathered the storm, Newcastle showed their quality and took the lead in the 40th minute with their first foray into the Blackpool area.
Joey Barton whipped in a pinpoint cross for Carroll and the striker produced a fine header at the far post to beat Paul Rachubka.
Deservedly levelled
The hosts were not deterred by the setback and deservedly levelled in first-half stoppage time.
Charlie Adam unleashed a fierce drive that Harper could only fend out to Ormerod and the veteran striker breached Newcastle's defence for the first time in 545 Championship minutes by tapping in the loose ball.
Holloway's men continued in the same vein in the second period and finally took the lead their endeavour deserved just after the hour mark.
The Seasiders forced a corner and after a near-post flick, a mad goalmouth scramble was ended by Euell smashing the ball home.
Newcastle inevitably upped their game in search of an equaliser and spurned three great chances to grab a point.
Kevin Nolan headed wide, Geremi fluffed his shot from a good position and Stephen Crainey cleared off the line as the hosts held on for a worthy win.