Shearer rescues Magpies

Leeds United 2 Newcastle United 2

Bowyer, who turned his back on Leeds seven months ago when he decided not to sign a new contract, made another hostile return to the ground where he was once hailed as a hero.

The midfielder initially moved to West Ham in January and on his initial return just a few weeks later was roundly condemned by Leeds supporters.

Time, it appears, does not heal old wounds as the Leeds fans again turned on the 26-year-old, now in Newcastle's midfield, with a chorus of boos and derogatory chants before he was substituted midway through the second half.

In contrast, centre back Jonathan Woodgate was welcomed back warmly following his £9m departure to Newcastle at the end of the transfer window, a move which helped ease Leeds' crippling debts.

Robson was unhappy with the treatment Bowyer received, but insisted it did not unduly affect his performance.

He said: "It was a tough game for Bowyer. We knew he would get that sort of treatment. It was sad in a way, but that's the way it will be I guess.

"I hope it will settle down and he can start to enjoy his football, but we will support him. He took it in his stride. He thought he might get that, but he rode it well.

"But with the service he gave them (Leeds) here and the popular player he was, have they (the fans) forgotten that?"

Robson was again indebted to skipper Alan Shearer for rescuing a point at a time when it appeared as if Leeds were on course for a surprise victory.

Peter Reid's side produced a tenacious, hard-working performance which was in total contrast to pre-season displays.

Such form had made Leeds one of the favourites for relegation, but following a 20th-minute Shearer penalty, Leeds' heads did not dip and they hit back with goals from Mark Viduka and Alan Smith.

With three minutes remaining, however, Shearer poked home a face-saving equaliser.

Robson added: "I was pleased to get a point in the end. When you are losing 2-1 with 10 minutes to go you will settle for a point, but then when we got the equaliser, I was looking for three again.

"I think Peter was happy when the final whistle went, but I wasn't. It was that sort of game."

Reid, who had often criticised his players during a miserable pre-season, yesterday gave praise where it was due.

"I thought my team were great," said Reid.

"The players gave me everything they had. I cannot fault any of them. They have now set themselves standards for the rest of the season because they have got to do this week in and week out.

"I have to admit I was worried until yesterday then there was a real spark in training which I hadn't sensed before. That gave me a lot of confidence and they took it into the game. The players came up with the goods, but now they have to do it every week," he said.

LEEDS: Robinson, Kelly, Radebe, Camara, Matteo, Sakho (Domi 60), Morris, Seth Johnson, Wilcox (Batty 74), Viduka, Smith.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Woodgate, Bernard (Jenas 73), Bowyer (Ameobi 73), Speed, Dyer, Robert (Solano 84), Shearer, Bellamy.

Referee: R Martin (Sheffield).