48 mins: Kieron Dyer did well to force the disgraceful Lucas Radebe into conceding a corner. Domi swung it over and Shearer's run across Nigel Martyn caused the keeper to fumble. Whether he made contact with the ball or not is debatable, but Aaron Hughes scooped it back goalwards and Alan Shearer slammed it into the roof of the net from a yard out. 

Not many noticed but he actually managed to hit the bar -  almost miss of the season? 2-2

(60 mins Harte missed a penalty - wide)

Full time: Newcastle 2 Leeds

Sir Bobby said:
 
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David O'Leary:

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Alan Shearer's 27th and 28th goals of the season secured a creditable point against Leeds at Gallowgate on Sunday, after the Yorkshire side threw away a two-goal lead. And the Champions League chumps contrived to miss a penalty to ensure that the unlikely comeback wasn't in vain.

The game was just a minute old when Shearer flicked on a header for Kieron Dyer to run through on goal. Some poor control and a less than lethal finish ended with the ball cannoning off the post to Domi who somehow failed to give us the lead. 

Leeds then hit back with two goals that once again revealed our familiar defensive frailties. Barton lost the ball after good work up the right and Dabizas could only present the ball on a plate to Michael Bridges who lashed it into the top right corner. Shay could only push the ball in again but this time the power of the shot gave him little chance. Given had just made a spectacular save from a wayward Helder clearance minutes earlier.

The second Leeds goal came from a free-kick on the right side of the box. Bridges didn't seem to make contact at the near post and the ball sailed into the opposite corner, a bit like Shearer's (or Nobby's) against Liverpool. Any sort of fightback seemed unlikely at that point with Steve Howey having a personal nightmare of a game. 

Helder's new midfield role didn't suit him or the team and it was a surprise when Shearer pulled one back. Domi's Beardsley-like tackle won the ball down the left and his first-time cross the back post was tucked away superbly by the head of Shearer. It was game-on.

The equaliser came shortly after the break as Nigel Martyn fumbled a cross, not for the first time. Aaron Hughes shot goalwards and Shearer gleefully thumped it home from about six inches. 

Celebrations were a bit time-delayed after ref Elleray seemed to be pointing for a free-kick on Martyn but the goal stood. Diego Gavilan had a glorious chance to score on his full debut but the youngster saw his effort saved well. 

Harry Kewell then performed his usual springboard routine at the other end and a careless Dabizas lunge got him the penalty he'd been after. Ian Harte did the decent thing though and scuffed his kick a yard wide of the goal to keep the score at 2-2. 

Chances came and went at both ends but a draw seemed a fair result after both teams had contributed to an entertaining day out. The point took Newcastle above Boro into 12th but still leaves us in Premiership no-man's land.

A special mention must go to Brazilian wonderkid Fumaca who spectacularly outdid Maric for the worst ever substitute appearance. Our ability to find the only Brazilian that can't play football is nothing short of remarkable.

Niall