06.12.2003 - Shearer goal earns draw for Magpies

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Alan Shearer netted a second half penalty at St James Park to deny Liverpool all 3 points in the lunchtime Premiership match.

Danny Murphy had put Liverpool into an early lead with a tap in from close range following a mix-up in the Newcastle defence, but the Reds were unable to build on that lead and didn't put the home side under too much pressure.

Similarly though, despite enjoying far more of the play, Newcastle failed to create too many chances and their best effort fell to Jermaine Jenas just outside the area, though he fired straight at Chris Kirkland.

The second half was a more enjoyable affair and after Pongolle and Gerrard had each forced Shay Given into decent ssves early in the half, Newcastle began to dominate the game and were level with just under half an hour to play when Kirkland conceded a penalty for bringng down Laurent Robert.

Shearer made no mistake with the spot kick, finding the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Newcastle then had a number of chances to go on and win the game but were denied through good goalkeeping by Kirkland, and goalline clearances by both Riise and Murphy, while Dietmar Hamann was close to scoring at the other end with a magnificent volley from 25 yards which Shay Given did well to get a hand to.

The result was enough to move Liverpool up a place into 5th place, three points behinf Fulham who currently occupy the final Champions League place.

LFC-1 Star Man: Dietmar Hamann.