Bennett – who started his professional career at St James's Park in 1989, but left a couple of years later without making first-team appearance – was in goal for Sheffield United last night.

And the 38-year-old was helpless for Newcastle's winning goal, with Ryan Taylor's 53rd minute shot taking a huge deflection off Chris Morgan on its way into the net.

Bennett's opposite number Steve Harper made two superb saves late in the game to deny Darius Henderson and Keith Treacy and make sure of the points.

"It's difficult to take," Bennett told the Gazette. "Obviously, they set their stall out to make it difficult for us, with (Kevin) Nolan in the hole.

"When they got the goal, it was always going to be difficult to break them down. They've got a world-class keeper, and he made two great saves in the last couple of minutes.

"That's the way our season's going at the moment – we just can't see to get a win on the board.

"We're disappointed with the goal, but the one thing we don't do at Bramall Lane is give in, and to be fair, with the keeper and the defence, Newcastle stuck in there, and that's why they're up there. We're striving to be like that."

Asked whether Newcastle are capable of cementing their place at the top, Worksop-born Bennett – who has previously turned out against the club for Birmingham City – went on: "Obviously, it all depends on January, and whether they strengthen.

"I would say, given that they've got a big squad and a good quality of players there, I can't see why they can't sustain it if they get on a roll."