Given maintains stalemate in first half at Newcastle

Newcastle 0 Aston Villa 0

Shay Given and the woodwork kept Aston Villa at bay as Premier League bottom side Newcastle fought for their lives in a goalless first half at St James’ Park.

The Donegalman, making his 450th appearance for the Magpies, made a superb 36th-minute save to deny Ashley Young from point-blank range after Martin Laursen had earlier shaved the post with a header.