A late late report for a late late equaliser: Shola the scourge of the Mackems once again

Shola Ameobi: Mackem slayer

Shola Ameobi has a habit of scoring important Derby day goals, and it was one that he indulged in once more as he rescued a point for Newcastle in a feisty clash with local rivals Sunderland.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations in the stands as relief washed over St James' Park. Newcastle had dominated the Second Half but had been kept at bay by 10 man Sunderland, who battled bravely to try and protect the one goal lead they earned through Nicklas Bendtner's first half penalty. 

Newcastle's cause had appeared to be a lost one, Demba Ba had spurned a chance to draw his side level when his spot kick was tipped away by Simon Mignolet and opportunities continued to go begging as the minutes slipped away. However, in the first minute of injury time, Mike Williamson flicked on Yohan Cabaye's deep cross for Ameobi, who tapped home at the near post to break Sunderland hearts and send the capacity St James' Park crowd into raptures.

The Magpies then had chances to snatch victory, but Sunderland were able to hold out for a share of spoils, a result that many will have seen as a fair one after witnessing what was an enthralling contest.

It was a typically fractious opening to the game, which began with an ugly tackle on Cheick Tiote from Sunderland Captain Lee Cattermole. The tackles continued to fly in, Cabaye was cautioned for a challenge on Bardsley before a mini brawl erupted after a rash challenge from James McClean on Danny Simpson. 

Sunderland pressed well as a group and hunted Newcastle down in packs when the Magpies were in possession, and they were rewarded for a strong start when they were given a penalty after Williamson was adjudged to have pulled down Bendtner in the box. 

The Mackems had chances to double the lead, but Newcastle soon grew into the contest and should have equalised when Ba headed Ryan Taylor's corner against the crossbar just before Half Time.

Newcastle improved greatly after the break, and this coincided with the introduction of Hatem Ben Arfa, the dynamic midfielder, who instantly provided his side with extra attacking impetus.

Ben Arfa's presence undoubtedly shifted the momentum towards Newcastle, and the home side began to take a stranglehold on the game. The Magpies' cause was helped by the dismissal of the influential Stephane Sessegnon, who was sent off for elbowing Cheick Tiote in an off the ball incident.

Tensions were high in the dugouts as well as on the pitch, with Alan Pardew and Martin O'Neill continually exchanging verbal blows. Their spat an entertaining side show to one of the most heated Tyne-Wear derbies in recent years.

Sunderland continued to hold firm however, and even when their defence was breached, Mignolet proved almost unbeatable. The Belgian palmed away Ben Arfa's superb left foot strike before denying Ba from the spot after Frazier Campbell had felled Ameobi.

Ba may have wasted his opportunity, but Ameobi soon made amends for Ba's profligacy with his dramatic late leveller. Newcastle will feel that they could have taken all three points, but the manner in which they earned the point should surely give them confidence as they head to the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening to take on Arsenal. 

Sunderland - who will have to wait another season for potential derby success -  take on Liverpool, who sit five points below Newcastle in seventh position, and could do Pardew's side a large favour if they are able to take any points off the League Cup winners and dent their Champions League ambitions.