Magpies feel sting of LuaLua's treachery

Newcastle United missed the chance to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the English premier league on Sunday when they were held 1-1 at relegation-threatened Portsmouth.

With Liverpool, one of Newcastle's main rivals for the final Champions League spot, drawing 2-2 at bottom club Leeds earlier, Newcastle seemed on course to widen the gap after Craig Bellamy's 34th-minute effort.

But Lomana LuaLua, who is on loan to Portsmouth from Newcastle, pounced in the 89th minute to volley an equalizer and secure a precious point for the south coast club to lift them out of the relegation zone.

Newcastle remains in fourth place on 42 points, 16 behind third-placed Manchester United but two ahead of Charlton Athletic and three more than Liverpool.

"I don't know whether he'll be pleased or not," Newcastle manager Bobby Robson told Sky Sports, when asked about LuaLua's contribution.

"He'll be pleased for Portsmouth, he was wearing a Portsmouth shirt but he's damaged us and that will leave a sour taste in his mouth. That's a massive two points we've lost today."

Harry Kewell put Liverpool in front against his old club with a superb solo goal after 21 minutes of a thrilling draw at Elland Road.

Goals from Eirik Bakke and Mark Viduka turned the game on its head before Czech striker Milan Baros powered in an equalizer shortly before the end of a pulsating first half.

Liverpool pressed hard for a winner after the break but it was Leeds who almost snatched the points when Alan Smith headed powerfully against the crossbar.

Leeds remain bottom of the table with 22 points.