Premiership:
Embarrassment avoided
mackems 1 Newcastle 1
Our unbeaten run on wearside was extended further but only after a fortunate James Milner cross, that eluded everyone, saved our blushes.
Milner's equaliser was a relatively speedy reply to Danny Higginbotham's 52nd minute opener which came from a swiftly taken corner knocked over to the back post where the defender headed home while our defence played statues.
It was a goal that had been coming and making it to the break goalless was something of a relief after some poor first half defending had us in all sorts of trouble.
Thankfully some smart saves from Steve Harper, notably from ex-Mag Michael Chopra and a block from Alan Smith had kept us in the game.
There was little happening at the other end with Michael Owen and David Rozehnal failing to take advantage of some half chances.
However, for the third game in a row our reshuffled pack failed to click but at least this time defeat was avoided thanks to Milner's 65th minute leveller.
Celebrating the goal wildly was owner Mike Ashley, clad in his usual garb with the away fans behind the goal.
Similar to Reading, it looked like we might press on for the winner with Owen going on a mazy run before firing weakly with his left foot.
But we almost fell again to a sucker punch at the other end as an unmarked Chopra headed against the underside of the bar and Steven Taylor did well to clear in the ensuing scramble.
Taylor by this point had moved to centre half with Rozehnal after Habib Beye had replaced the injured Abdoulaye Faye.
Charles N'Zogbia was again playing at left back with Jose Enrique on the bench - our newly-acquired full backs seemingly fit but second choice to players out of position.
Another odd midfield started the game with Smith filling in for the suspended Nicky Butt, Milner playing wide left, Barton right and Emre in the middle.
Mark Viduka was partnering Owen up front and just about managed the full 90 minutes with Obafemi Martins coming on as a late replacement for Owen.
And it was Martins who should have won the game in the final minute of injury time when he just strayed offside in a fantastic position as the killer pass to him was delayed.
In the end, a thoroughly undeserved but delicious three points sadly weren't grabbed but given the balance of play, we were probably the happier with the draw.
