Published on Taipei Times
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2008/03/19/2003406264

Newcastle end losing streak with draw

LETDOWN: Manager Kevin Keegan picked an attacking starting lineup featuring Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen, but Newcastle scored only one goal

AP AND AFP, BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008, Page 19

Newcastle United's Michael Owen reacts after a missed chance during their match against Birmingham City at St. Andrews in Birmingham, England, on Monday.
PHOTO: AFP
Newcastle ended a four-match losing streak by rallying to draw 1-1 with Birmingham in the English Premier League on Monday.

However, Kevin Keegan still hasn't notched his first win since returning as Magpies manager in January -- eight games ago.

"We know we've got a win in us and our next game's against Fulham at home so maybe that's when it'll be," Keegan said.

James McFadden put Birmingham ahead in the 33rd minute after taking a cross from David Murphy and evading the challenge of Newcastle defender Abdoulaye Faye to score.

Michael Owen leveled in the 56th, putting in the rebound after Obafemi Martins' original shot was pushed away by Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

"First half, we weren't good enough but we've stuck at it and at times we haven't done that," Keegan said. "There were some really good performances in Newcastle shirts tonight. They all put in a shift and if they keep doing that we'll be all right."

Keegan named an attacking starting lineup, with strikers Mark Viduka and Martins handed their first starts under Keegan, alongside Owen, who was watched by England manager Fabio Capello.

Both clubs are still struggling -- Newcastle are in 14th place with 29 points, with Birmingham two places and two points behind. Birmingham are only two points clear of the relegation zone.

McFadden said the hosts deserved three points.

"We were by far the best team in the first half. They were the better team in the second half but if we take our chances it's a different game."

"They've done well to come back into it and in the end we've done well to hang on," he said.

McFadden also admitted he did not think his goal would stand.

"I thought I was offside," he said on Setanta Sports. "But I've cut across the front of the defender and managed to put it away."

It was his fourth goal for the Blues since his move from Everton.