Stalemate at St James’

Newcastle 0 Charlton 0

Glenn Roeder’s perfect Barclays Premiership record was spoiled by Charlton as Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.

The Magpies, who were without the injured Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer, dominated before the break, but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Thomas Myhre.

However, as the home side tired after being forced into a defensive reshuffle, the visitors rallied late in the game.

Irish goalkeeper Shay Given needed two attempts to collect a skidding Matt Holland drive 16 minutes from time, but Ameobi headed over from Emre’s back-post corner two minutes later as time started to run out.

The Irishman had to save from Darren Bent again on 79 minutes and only a last-ditch challenge by Boumsong denied substitute Jason Euell five minutes later.

If anything, Charlton finished the game the stronger as Newcastle ran out of steam and ideas, but Given and his patched-up defence managed to hold out to at least preserve Roeder’s unbeaten run.