Newcastle plays Everton to scoreless draw

Throughout a season plagued with talks of collapse and even relegation, matches such as these serve as a trigger point to a better future. Against all odds Newcastle held Everton, who are buoyed with hopes of European competition, to a scoreless draw.

With an injury list that includes Michael Owen, Andy Carroll, Danny Guthrie, Ignacio González, Xisco, Habib Beye and Joey Barton, Newcastle played a thoroughly curmudgeonly style, didn't give up a blade of grass and earned the point with exclamation. The draw leaves the Magpies at fourteenth in the table, five points above the all-important drop zone.

A series of attacking advances early by Everton were dealt with 'keeper Steve Harper, although few advances were made by Newcastle. The noble effort was put to the test when Kevin Nolan was shown a direct red-card for a unprofessional foul on Victor Anichebe just before the break.

After the break Chris Hughton called upon Jonás Gutiérrez for Damien Duff and before the hour Oba Martins returned to the fold, replacing Shola Ameobi. While both sides were able to create some space in the final forty-five, the final touches were lacking and the match concluded without a score. Beyond the positive result, Newcastle supporters are encouraged with the return of Oba Martins and Alan Smith making his debut this year as he entered for Peter Løvenkrands with thirteen minutes remaining.

Newcastle returns to action next Saturday against Bolton.