Milner saves Magpies
Newcastle rode their luck to snatch a 1-1 draw in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland on Saturday thanks to James Milner's fortunate equaliser.
Sam Allardyce's side were outplayed for long periods at the Stadium of Light and fell behind to Danny Higginbotham's 52nd minute header.
But Sunderland were denied a first home victory over their local rivals for 27 years when Milner's cross somehow eluded everyone and crept in at the far post midway through the second half.
It was rough justice for Sunderland, who are now without a win in seven matches. Newcastle will just be relieved to emerge unscathed after another lacklustre display.
Roy Keane has insisted he doesn't want to keep bemoaning his team's brave but unrewarded performances, but this was another hard-luck story for the Black Cats.
Keane brought back fit-again Carlos Edwards for his first appearance since August and it was the Trinidad winger who provided the opening opportunity.
He whipped in a cross that was cleared to Grant Leadbitter and the midfielder fired in a shot that was heading for goal until Steven Taylor bravely blocked with his head.
Edwards underlined his value by setting up another chance minutes later. His teasing cross picked out Ross Wallace, only for the Scot to blaze over the bar.
Sunderland had lost their last five meetings with Newcastle and the bitter memories of those defeats ensured a vociferous atmosphere as the home fans thirsted for revenge.
After such a frenzied start, the hosts inevitably had to catch their breath.
Michael Owen brought Craig Gordon into action with low snapshot midway through the half.
Newcastle pressed again and Owen's strike partner Mark Viduka, back from a calf injury, saw a shot deflected for a corner.
But Keane's side found a second wind before the break. First Ian Harte and then Leadbitter tested Steve Harper and both times the Newcastle keeper rose to the challenge.
Michael Chopra had scored against Sunderland in the last meeting between the sides but the former Newcastle striker's loyalty lies with the Black Cats now.
He almost broke the deadlock against the team he supported as a boy with a curling effort that Harper managed to push away.
This was the Premier League at its raw, visceral best with both sides throwing themselves into every challenge with abandon.
Joey Barton went too far on the stroke of half-time though and was lucky to escape punishment after an ugly stomach-high lunge on Sunderland's Dickson Etuhu.
Allardyce's side were booed off by their fans after last weekend's 4-1 home defeat against Portsmouth and, while there was no questioning their commitment, they were unable to find any rhythm.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who had chosen to sit with his club's supporters, must have been squirming in his seat as his team were caught cold just after half-time.
Kenwyne Jones took a quick corner to Leadbitter and his cross picked out Higginbotham at the far post. The Sunderland defender was completely unchallenged as he powered a header past Harper for his first goal of the season.
Wild celebrations followed but Sunderland were too caught up in the euphoria. Instead of going for the kill they lost their way.
Newcastle scented an escape route and took it in the 65th minute. Milner exchanged passes with Barton and cut into the penalty area before curling a low cross that trickled in at the far post.
Sunderland were stung into action and Jones should have restored their lead a minute later when he shot narrowly wide.
That set the tone for the closing period as Sunderland attacked without reward. Chopra had a final chance when he met Harte's corner with a header that rattled the bar.
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