Magpies saved by controversial spot-kick
Newcastle United have earned just two points from their last six games
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Sunday, 01, Feb 2009 09:06
A controversial penalty earned Newcastle United a 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the North East derby at St James' Park.
Djibril Cisse's opener was cancelled out by Shola Ameobi's second-half spot-kick.
And both sides will feel a draw was the right result after creating a hatful of chances.
After a scrappy opening, the game exploded into life on 20 minutes when Kieron Richardson's cross hit the post with Kenwyne Jones's rebound blocked by Magpies new boy Kevin Nolan.
It was then the home side's chance to go close with Andy Carroll's header crashing off the bar, while Shola Ameobi blazed over minutes later with the goal at his mercy.
The chances continued to flow with Cisse forcing Steve Harper into a fine save with a rifled effort. And it was the Frenchman who broke the deadlock on 32 minutes when he tapped in from close range after his first shot had been parried by Harper.
Harper continued to show his worth by keeping out efforts from Jones and Richardson after more schoolboy defending from Joe Kinnear's men.
Newcastle improved after the break and bombarded the Blacks Cats goal with George McCartney heading Jose Gutierrez's cross of the line, while Damien Duff was furious he did not get a penalty when he was tripped by Anton Ferdinand.
They were awarded a controversial spot-kick by referee Howard Webb on 69 minutes when Stephen Taylor tangled with Steed Malbranque, with Ameobi hammering his penalty into the roof of the net.
Both sides wasted golden chances to secure a derby win in the closing stages with Ameobi poking his shot straight into the arms of Martin Fulop, while ex-Magpies striker Michael Chopra opted to pass the ball to Jones instead of shooting when sent through on goal.
Despite five added minutes, neither team was able to snatch a late winner to leave both sides perilously above the drop zone.