This time they moved into the last 16 of the Carling Cup but it took a goal from skipper Alan Shearer ten minutes from time to break down Grimsby Town's stubborn resistance.
As expected the Premiership side had most of the play, but clear-cut chances were at a premium and neither keeper was unduly overworked.
Up to the goal the best chance of the game fell to Grimsby striker Gary Jones but he headed wide from a free-kick just past the half-hour mark.
Grimsby had their best spell just towards half-time and although they troubled the Newcastle defence on several occasions, they were unable to create many openings.
Newcastle started the second half on top and Grimsby were defending too deeply which meant whenever they cleared the ball it came straight back.
On-loan Calvin Andrew had the Mariners' first on target effort on 67 minutes but his header was easily saved.
Both teams made a double switch around the 70 minute mark and shortly after former Sunderland player Michael Reddy nearly embarrassed Newcastle when he latched on to a long clearance from keeper Steve Mildenhall, but could only put his effort wide.
Then with extra-time starting to look a possibility the breakthrough came.
A slip from Grimsby skipper Justin Whittle let in Michael Chopra, who set up Shearer and the former England man just doesn't miss chances like that.
After that Grimsby central defender Rob Jones moved up front and had a couple of headers and a shot not too far off target as Grimsby battled gamely for the elusive equaliser.
But, Newcastle moved into the fourth round of the Carling Cup leaving Grimsby to concentrate on promotion from League Two, which is manager Russell Slade's stated priority for the season.