Owen rescues Newcastle point

Michael Owen rescued Newcastle a much needed point at St. Andrews last night, with a second half goal. The goal helped end the dismal run of four defeats that the Toon had suffered. However, the pressure is still firmly on Kevin Keegan as the Toon are still not safe from relegation.

Much of the early part of the game was played at a frantic pace with Newcastle the more positive, but it was Birmingham who had the best chance to go ahead when a snap-shot by McFadden was deflected just wide of the post.

Mikael Forssell, who went close to opening his account with another shot which went just inches the wrong side of the post followed minutes later by a Radhi Jaidi header in exactly the same spot.

Some impatience began to creep into Newcastle's play and it was fortunate that Joey Barton was able to impress in his midfield role to put Birmingham out of their stride.

In the 33rd minute David Murphy provided a left-wing cross which found McFadden, who shrugged off Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye before slotting the ball past Steve Harper.

Michael Owen popped up in the 56th minute to grab the equaliser after an Obafemi Martins shot had been blocked.

It was all over though, and both sides ended up settling for a point.