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So it proved as Blackpool pushed the Magpies back from the off. After ten minutes Pool had rattled the visitors' net following a defensive nightmare, although the referee's assistant deemed the effort offside.
Nine goal attempts later and Newcastle were floundering but the tide turned and after 40 minutes they finally proved the quality of their side punishing a rare error from the Blackpool ranks.
Danny Guthrie pierced the Pool defence with a deep cross and Andy Carroll made no mistake for the visitors as he headed an opener against the run of play.
Holloway's side looked to immediately hit back and on the stroke of half-time their efforts paid off as Steve Harper spilled a terrific Charlie Adam strike into the path of Brett Ormerod and was left to watch the striker as he delicately lifted the ball into the net.
After the break the visitors emerged confident and showing their eagerness to recapture the lead, forcing the game into a somewhat more open affair.
It was Pool who looked the most likely to create the breakthrough though, with David Vaughan continuing his dazzling midfield form on the attack.
Vaughan played a cheeky back-heel to hold the ball up for Hameur Bouazza to burst into the box and, somehow, Harper turned the ball away from the acute strike.
Newcastle replied spending long spells in the Blackpool half and, with tight movement and quick one-touch football, began to show why they were as yet unbeaten.
However, the home side stood strong and when the chance finally came to peg Newcastle back they made none of the mistakes of the first half.
Bouazza was again critical in the build-up and as the Magpies failed to clear the corner properly, veteran Jason Euell was aware to turn the ball home at the back post to secure a good win for Holloway's fast-improving side.