NEWCASTLE ON COURSE FOR PREMIER LEAGUE

ABOVE: Newcastle battled for a draw at the Riverside

Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 2

ANDY CARROLL came up with the answer once again to keep leaders Newcastle on course for the Premier League.

The gangling striker has scored some valuable goals for the Geordies this ­season and this was another as he fired in an equaliser eight minutes from time after Ryan Taylor had swung in a centre.

But it was a draw Newcastle scarcely deserved as Boro, struggling to maintain their play-off hopes, ­dominated ­proceedings.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan said of his side’s promotion prospects: “Our chances get slimmer by the week but if Doncaster and Blackpool think they can go up, we think we can as well.”

Police and stewards were kept busy as sporadic crowd trouble broke out due to pockets of Newcastle followers in the home sections – and the taunts of the Boro fans.

They mocked the 3,700-plus travelling supporters with the banner ‘Trophy ­Virgins’ – a reference to the fact that Newcastle last won major silverware nearly 41 years ago.

Newcastle struggled to find any rhythm and cohesion as Boro pressed but, against the run of play, the Magpies struck in the 16th minute.

Jonas Gutierrez threaded in a perfect reverse pass for Peter Lovenkrands and the striker stroked home left-footed beyond keeper Danny Coyne.

Newcastle’s ­rugged determination to protect their lead resulted in bookings for Fitz Hall and Danny Simpson.

But Barry Robson was Boro’s ­inspiration as they came from behind in a rousing 125th meeting between these derby rivals.

Newcastle keeper Steve Harper was left rooted to the spot when Robson’s ­cultured left foot hauled Boro back into the game nine minutes from the break.

The Scotland midfielder exchanged passes with Scott McDonald before ­curling a belter into the far corner of the net from around 20 yards.

And fellow ex-Celtic star ­McDonald put Boro in front with his first strike for the club in the 74th minute.

It was a goal made at Parkhead as­ ­Robson’s free-kick was knocked down by striker Chris Killen – another ex-Celt – and McDonald hooked home.

But Newcastle, who have seen their lead at the top cut to four points, were not done yet and Carroll popped up to salvage a point.

Toon boss Chris Hughton said: ­“Having gone 2-1 down with the ­defensive ­problems we had, we’re delighted to come back.

“We probably wouldn’t have deserved to win but we might have nicked it at the end.”

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