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Newcastle out of drop zone after scrappy draw with Boro

29/11/2008

Newcastle United have fought their way out of the Premier League's relegation zone following a turgid 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough in the Tyne-Tees derby.

The Magpies are on 15 points but are in 17th place as they have a better goal difference than arch-rivals Sunderland who replace them in the bottom three.

The contest between Boro and the Magpies was blighted by thick fog and freezing temperatures at the Riverside Stadium and the football on the pitch did little to warm the spectators.

Boro worked hard down the flanks to create chances for Alfonso Alves but the Brazilian could not quite reach crosses from Stewart Downing and Tuncay.

Newcastle eventually sprung to life just before the break. Danny Guthrie forged his way into the box and as he was tackled the ball well to Obafemi Martins, but the Nigerians shot hit the top of the crossbar.

Nicky Butt then went close with a free-kick only to see it flash wide of the post.

Alves had looked lively during the first half but Newcastle had done well to restrict the striker to half-chances.

However, he managed to get some space at the start of the second half and unleashed a goal-bound effort that full-back Jose Enrique had to block.

Martins continued to be the Magpies' best chance of a goal and saw another of his shots deflect wide off David Wheater.

It was therefore a surprise to see Martins sacrificed midway through the second half to allow Mark Viduka to make his first appearance of the season for Newcastle against his former club.

Boro then created their two best chances of the match but could not find the back of the net – much to their frustration.

Alves took it upon himself to drive at the Newcastle defence, as they backed off he sent in a fierce strike that had Magpies keeper Shay Given beaten but went just over the bar.

Given then made a crucial save to deny Justin Hoyte who had found space at the far post but could only shoot straight at the goalkeeper.

Newcastle will be happy with a result that gets them out of the bottom three, while Boro remain amongst a clutch of teams in mid-table with seventh to 13th place separated by two points.