Newcastle 1, Sunderland 1

Sunderland were denied a first league double over their arch-rivals in 42 years as the Magpies hit back in the second half to gain a point. Djibril Cisse, who scored in Sunderland's 2-1 win over Newcastle at the Stadium of Light in October, put Ricky Sbragia's men ahead in the 32nd minute.

The Black Cats dominated the opening period - with Kieran Richardson and Dean Whitehead bossing the midfield - and could have been further in front at the break.

But Newcastle came out strongly in the second half and Shola Ameobi converted a contested penalty in the 68th minute to level things.

Referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot when Steed Malbranque challenged Steven Taylor in the box, but there seemed to be little contact.

It was a rip-roaring game and both sides had chances to win it in the second period.

Michael Chopra, the former Newcastle player, missed a good opportunity and Andy Reid flashed a shot wide just before the end.

Sunderland are now in 13th place in the Barclays Premier League, four points above the bottom three.

newcastle v sunderland

Phil Bardsley made life difficult for himself in the 18th minute when he launched into a tackle on Jonas Gutierrez and got booked for it.

The Argentinian was Newcastle's best player and Bardsley had to tread carefully for the remaining 70-odd minutes. In fact the former Manchester United full-back was lucky to stay on when he made another strong tackle near the end.

Sunderland's first good chance came in the 20th minute when Richardson, who had an exceptional first half, curled a free-kick against the foot of the post.

It came out to Kenwyne Jones and his shot was cleared off the line by Kevin Nolan, making his debut.

Local lad Andy Carroll hit the bar with a looping header soon after as the game came to life.

Sunderland went ahead in the 32nd minute. Cisse raced onto Whitehead's pass and had a shot saved by Steve Harper. The rebound landed at the Frenchman's feet and he made no mistake. It was no more than Sunderland deserved.

The Black Cats scented blood but could not find a second goal and Newcastle came back strongly after the break.

George McCartney had to head off the line in the 50th minute as Sunderland tried to weather the black and white storm early in the second half.

Newcastle had a strong penalty shout turned down in the 54th minute as Damien Duff went down in the box folllowing a challenge by Anton Ferdinand.

The outcome, however, was different in the 67th minute when Taylor went shoulder to shoulder with Malbranque in the box. Webb pointed to the spot, Sunderland could not believe it, and Ameobi scored.

A mixture of good defending and a bit of luck kept Newcastle out afterwards and the Black Cats had a great chance to win it just before the end.

Substitute Chopra found himself in a threatening position in the 86th minute but he opted to square it to Jones. The pass was over-hit and the chance went begging. There was a collective groan from Sunderland's fans.

Reid, another substitute, hit a shot just past the post in injury time as Sunderland threatened to secure another 2-1 win at St. James' Park.

(from SAFC.com)