Pardew's Magpies experienced a game a world away from last week's stunning 4-4 draw with Arsenal with only Peter Lovenkrands and Fabricio Coloccini coming close to winning the game for the visitors.

But as he approaches his third month in charge at St James' Park, Pardew is convinced he is beginning to shape his team into one which will continue to push for goals in the weeks ahead .

Pardew said: "I've always played a team which is on the front foot and encouraging the full-backs to push on. I'm pleased with the reaction I've had from the staff and players with what I want to achieve.

"My style is perhaps a little bit different from Chris [Hughton]. We've really tightened up since I arrived. We did really well in the second half against Arsenal and we took that into today's game."

But Pardew could not hide his disappointment at his side's failure to seize a golden opportunity to snatch all three points against a struggling Rovers outfit whose only real chance fell to Roque Santa Cruz after nine minutes.

The Paraguayan, who only lasted until half-time on his return from a groin injury, headed against the post and the game drifted into a dour midfield struggle which was largely bossed by the visitors.

For Rovers boss Steve Kean there was relief at finally breaking the sequence of three straight defeats and words of encouragement for Santa Cruz as he gets back to match fitness after his disappointing spell at Manchester City.

Referring to Santa Cruz's missed chance, Kean said: "Roque needs a goal. If you're going to pick a striker to have the ball fall on his head six yards out you'd pick Roque, but it just didn't fall for him.

"Roque is still feeling the injury a little bit but hopefully that will clear up before our next game and he will be back to 100%.

"His injury concerns in the past have been different ones and he hasn't played as many minutes at Manchester City. It's a small injury so hopefully in this great he can get some extensive treatment and some tough work done."

Lovenkrands should have put Newcastle in front in the 14th minute when he was sent clear by the excellent Jose Enrique only to drift his lob over the advancing Paul Robinson onto the top of the bar.

David Dunn and Lovenkrands had half-chances at either end as the frenetic early pace faded and after the break it was all Newcastle without the visitors ever seriously threatening to seize the initiative.

"It's tinged with disappointment because our performance was really excellent, but around the final third our moment never arrived or we made the wrong decision," admitted Pardew.

Joey Barton fired high from long range before Coloccini had the best chance of the half, chesting down a Barton corner on 54 minutes and ramming a rising left-foot shot which was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Robinson.

With Rovers failing to create at all, the game appeared ripe for Newcastle's taking but even the late introduction of former Rover and stop-gap Andy Carroll replacement Shefki Kuqi could not have the desired effect.

While Pardew was clearly frustrated his counterpart Kean insisted: "To get a point when we haven't played particularly well is a point gained.

"I'm sure we will go forward from this and get a win soon."