Premier League: Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 1

Leon Best rescued a point for Newcastle with his second-half equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

The home side took the lead as Gabby Agbonlahor turned Fabricio Coloccini to score in the opening 10 minutes, but they were pegged back by an away side on good form, with Best scoring at the second attempt as the visitors found Shay Given in top form in the Villa goal.

Newcastle started the better team, coming close with Yohan Cabaye just pulling a shot wide and Gabriel Obertan keeping Given on his toes with a cross that threatened to creep under the bar.

But it was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play. Barry Bannan picked up the ball 25 yards out from goal, and after a quick ball into the box, Agbonlahor took it under control and shrugged off the challenge from Coloccini before slotting home underneath Tim Krul.

Bar a few efforts from long range, the hosts were relying on some solid play from Given and some wastefulness in front of goal from Newcastle’s front line to stay level.

An aerial barrage from Ryan Taylor at left-back was a common theme up until half-time, but with a defensive duo of Richard Dunne and James Collins the hosts had more than enough to deal with the sweeping crosses from deep.

The second half nearly started perfectly for Villa, as Agbonlahor was afforded too much time in the area, allowed to turn and flash his shot inches wide of the post.

It was the only moment of note for the home side for the next 20 minutes, as Newcastle began to dominate once again and play some impressive football.

And just before the hour their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser from Best, the striker’s ninth goal in 11 Premier League starts.

The ball was played down the right through Obertan and Danny Simpson, before Cabaye swept a wonderful shot against Given’s bar from the edge of the area. Though Villa managed to clear the ball, they could not get it to a safe distance, and Cheick Tiote pumped it back into the box for Best to convert at the second attempt after his initial header was blocked well by Given.

The goal reinvigorated Newcastle, but they almost gifted the home side the lead once again, as Steven Taylor slipped while attempting a clearance. With Bent hot on his heels, it looked a simple chance for the striker, who lobbed Krul but found Taylor scampering back to clear brilliantly on the slide.

From the resultant corner, the Magpies broke and almost scored, but for a vital challenge from Stephen Warnock on Jonas Gutierrez after a good run from Obertan.

With the introduction of Marc Albrighton late on, Villa looked more dangerous and got more possession of the ball, but rarely threatened Krul in the Newcastle goal.

Yet with just five minutes to go the away team threatened to take all three points, with Cabaye firing in a fantastic volley from 25 yards, only for Given to fly across to his right and palm the ball away, with the Irish keeper looking on top form.

As the full-time whistle blew, Newcastle could be fairly proud of their point, though they probably deserved more, while Villa defended well under a constant threat from the visitors.