/ 18 March 2008

Owen goal saves point for Newcastle

Newcastle United drew a scrappy Premier League relegation clash 1-1 at Birmingham City on Monday leaving coach Kevin Keegan still without a win in eight league matches since returning to the club.

James McFadden opened the scoring for the home side with a well taken goal after muscling Abdoulaye Faye out of his way to strike from close range after 33 minutes.

Michael Owen replied for Newcastle after 50 minutes when he darted between two defenders to stab home the rebound after Maik Taylor had saved from Obafemi Martins.

The draw lifted Newcastle from 15th to 14th with 29 points from 30 matches, while Birmingham rose from 17th to 16th taking their tally to 27 points from 30 games.

Bolton Wanderers (25 points), Fulham (23) and doomed Derby County (10) occupy the bottom three slots. – Reuters