Newcastle United scored their first goal since Kevin Keegan took over the reins but are still searching for a win as Middlesbrough held them to a 1-0 draw in their Premiership clash on Sunday.

Michael Owen scored only his third goal of the match midway through the second half but it was not enough as Boro equalized late in the game through Robert Huth. The visitors could have collected all three points but Stewart Downing's curling free kick smashed against the post with seconds left before full time.

Newcastle started the game intent to securing their first win in eight matches and the hosts looked to have taken the lead in the 4th minute when Owen slotted home from close range after Mark Schwarzer dropped the ball from a corner. However referee Mike Dean ruled out the effort for a foul by Owen.

Owen once again put the ball in the net in the 20th minute but the linesman ruled that Emre's corner had swerved out of play before reaching the England striker. The Magpies were struggling to create any chances from open play as Boro successfully managed to close down the potential attacks in the midfield.

The visitors went on the offensive in the second half as Gary O'Neil and Downing both had decent chances but Shay Given managed to keep the shots out. Newcastle took the lead against the run of play in the 60th minute when Owen rose high to meet Emre's free kick and headed home his first goal in over nine matches.

Boro pressed ahead in search of an equalizer and were rewarded three minutes before full time when Huth headed home Julio Arca's deep cross to put his side on level terms. The visitors could have snatched a victory in the dying minutes of the match when Downing's free kick thudded against the post and though Jeremie Aliadiere converted on the rebound, the linesman had raised the offside flag.