The 28-year-old, whose contractual situation will be at least one of the topics for discussion between Ashley, manager Kevin Keegan and executive director of football Dennis Wise on Wednesday, came off the bench to claim the headlines with a precious winner.
Owen missed most of pre-season as he recovered from a bout of mumps and a calf injury, but he made the difference against Bolton.
On as a substitute for the injured Obafemi Martins, he glanced a deft header past Jussi Jaaskelainen from Geremi's cross in the 71st minute to snatch victory.
However, if Owen's contribution was decisive, goalkeeper Shay Given was also hugely influential.
He had earlier kept out Kevin Nolan's penalty, with Bolton threatening to spoil the party in front of a crowd of just 47,711.
Nolan's misery was compounded when he sent a late header wide of the post to leave Keegan and his players breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Player of the Match : Michael Owen (Newcastle)
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