eplmatches.com

Newcastle came back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Upton Park.

Highlights

George McCartney’s left-wing cross was volleyed home by Mark Noble before Dean Ashton fired in West Ham’s second after being found by Bobby Zamora’s flick-on.

But Obafemi Martins scored with the Magpies’ first attack when he finished calmly after latching on to Joey Barton’s ball over the top.

And Geremi diverted Martins’ shot into the net with his shoulder to haul Newcastle level just before half-time.

It was a remarkable turnaround because West Ham were in complete control, with Newcastle looking a shadow of the team that were unbeaten in six matches prior to their visit to east London.

Full-back McCartney caused them major problems on the left flank and had already served up two dangerous early crosses before setting up Noble’s third goal of the season.

West Ham suffered a setback when Freddie Ljungberg was stretchered off with a suspected cracked rib after Magpies defender Steven Taylor accidently stepped on him while running towards the ball.

The home side managed to maintain their dominance and went further ahead on 23 minutes when Zamora headed keeper Robert Green’s long kick on to Ashton, who held off David Edgar before finding the bottom corner of the net.

But two goals in three minutes brought Newcastle back into the match.

They were given hope when Martins got behind young defender James Tomkins to collect Barton’s long pass and shoot past Green.

West Ham’s defensive frailties were then exposed again when they failed to clear Habib Beye’s right-wing cross and Martins pounced on the loose ball to strike a shot that hit Geremi and went in.

Kevin Keegan’s men had to defend for much of the second half but West Ham were unable to regain the lead.

Luis Boa Morte, who replaced Ljunberg, sent a shot wide of the target with the stretching Zamora just unable to add the touch that would have guided the ball into the net.

Referee Uriah Rennie ignored West Ham’s appeals for a penalty after Zamora’s shot seemed to hit Taylor’s arm, before keeper Steve Harper did well to tip over Ashton’s 15-yard drive.

But for all West Ham’s pressure, it was Newcastle who came closest to scoring a late winner.

Again it was Martins who caused panic in the Hammers penalty area, this time shrugging off Lucas Neill and testing Green with a low shot the England international brilliantly pushed away at his left-hand post.