The Senegalese striker struck in the 32nd minute as he capitalised on an error from keeper Danijel Subasic to give the Premier League side the lead against the run of play.

Claudio Ranieri's side were frustrated by some impressive last-ditch defending from Newcastle as they squandered several chances in front of goal.

And Ba's strike proved to be enough to secure the victory as they held off the advances off the French side as they pushed for an equaliser in the second-half, hitting the woodwork in the process.

The Magpies nearly got off to the perfect start, but Shola Ameobi saw his effort clatter the post and bounce kindly into the arms of Subasic after good link-up play with Ba carved out the opening.

Ranieri's side looked dangerous on the break and could have taken the lead through Ibrahima Toure, but Williamson was on hand with a great block to deny the striker's shot from threatening the Newcastle goal.

Alan Pardew's side were again indebted to Mike Williamson for keeping them level as the former Watford defender dove in front of Valere Germain's goal-bound effort to stop what would have been a certain goal in the 20th minute.

Toure was giving the Magpies defence plenty to worry about, and was unlucky not to find the net when he latched onto Layvin Kurzawa cross just outside the area, but his powerful shot was hit straight at Steve Harper.

Despite Ranieri's side dominance, it was Newcastle who took the lead when Ba pounced on a poor punch from Subasic to head home.

Monaco started the second-half strongly and again were unlucky not to find the net as Germain rose above James Perch to rattle the crossbar with a header, with Harper beaten.

The tempo and quality of the game suffered as both teams made multiple substitutions, more notably for Newcastle as Cheikh Tiote made his first appearance of pre-season replacing Bigirimana on the hour mark.

Newcastle looked to hit the French side on the break as they pressed forward looking for an equaliser, which left space in behind for Ba to exploit, but on numerous occasions his distribution around the box led to many chances being squandered.

Gabriel Obertan had an excellent chance to double Newcastle's lead after he was put through on goal by Ryan Taylor, but the winger's shot was well saved by Subasic and Gosling's rebound effort was cleared off the line by Adriano.

Monaco pressed late in the game but were unable to find a way through Harper as Pardew's side held on for a confidence-boosting win.