Never mind Bowyer, we've got JJ

By Peter Donnelly
January 12 2003

Jermaine Jenas' sweet strike late on earned Newcastle a point at West Ham's Upton Park and it was certainly a point gained rather than one lost. The Hammers looked like getting their first home win for long periods of the match, but Jenas' strike secured a point.

Shola Ameobi replaced the suspended Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer returned to the team at the expense of Nolberto Solano.

It was United who went 1-0 up as early as 9 minutes when Craig Bellamy finished off a fine move. Shola Ameobi provided good work on the flank before playing in Jermaine Jenas who squared the ball to Bellamy, and the Welshman turned and finished well.

However, West Ham came back into it and levelled the scoreline on 14 minutes when Joe Cole capitilised on Stevie Caldwell's poor header to slot the ball past Shay Given.

The game was pretty even but West Ham were proving to be more of a threat with Jermaine Defoe looking lively.

And it was Defoe himself who put West Ham infront just before half time, when Lee Bowyer got down the wing and passed the ball into Defoe's feet. The youngster then turned Caldwell and shot past Given. The cross from Bowyer should never really have been able to happen in the first place.

United's last chance of the half fell to Clarence Acuna who's effort was excellently saved by David James.

In the seond half West Ham had more possesion and created more chances. Defoe was always causing problems and Bowyer got through only to see his shot saved by Given.

Just when defeat ws looking likely though, JJ popped up to hammer home a quality strike, which James could do nothing about.

Full Time: 2-2