ALAN Pardew last night hailed his side's new-found resilience after a third clean sheet in the space of four league matches enabled them to claim a point at Queens Park Rangers.

On an evening that saw Joey Barton fail to sparkle as he made his QPR debut against the side that allowed him to leave little more than a fortnight ago, Newcastle extended their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Danny Simpson and Steven Taylor both made goalline clearances as QPR pressed before the break, but the visitors negotiated the second half with surprisingly few alarms.

They created little going forward themselves, but Pardew was quick to praise his side's organisation and resolve.

"We don't give much away, we're very organised and there's a resilience and spirit in the group which makes it difficult for teams to beat us," said the Newcastle manager.

"But being Newcastle we need to threaten the goal more - I'm very much aware of that.

"Our flair players were all a little off key, but that's the first time (this season).

"One of the players said in the dressing room that we might have been beaten playing like that last season. We all knew in the dressing room we hadn't played well, but the discipline we've got defensively is really helping us.

"Our two centre-halves are playing really, really well. That always helps when the two centre-halves play as well as they have."

Pardew was right to single Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini out for special praise, as the pair maintained the form they had displayed in the opening three league games.

Cheik Tiote was his usual combative self at the heart of midfield, and both Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Obertan helped out by tracking back when required.

As a result, while QPR enjoyed plenty of possession, they struggled to carve out too many chances. And those they did create were spurned by a wasteful Jay Bothroyd before the break.

"We're disappointed, even though we shouldn't be," said Pardew.

"Coming to QPR, and I should know because I've been here as a visiting manager and player and scouting here, it's a very tough place to come.

"They have a player out there in (Adel) Taarabt who, in tight areas, is as good as anyone in the division.

"Look at the investment they've made, the players brought in - I think they've got themselves up to Premier League speed. They probably weren't that before, but they're a strong outfit now."

The point leaves Newcastle fourth in the Premier League table, an impressive position given their supposed failings during the August transfer window.

Nevertheless, last night's game hinted at a lack of attacking creativity that could yet prove costly as the season unfolds.

Pardew accepts his side never really looked like scoring, but insists he will not be scouring the market for a free agent in an attempt to plug an attacking void.

"I've no intention of bringing one (a free agent) one," he said. "I'll go with the group. I think you have to remember I've got Hatem Ben Arfa training now.

"His imagination and flair on that pitch would have been a big asset for us - hopefully, fingers crossed, in two weeks time he'll be on that pitch for us."