Magpies denied by extra-time goal
NEWCASTLE United was denied a vital win in its fight for Premier League survival by a contentious last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Isaac Hayden put Newcastle in front on 56 minutes but five minutes into stoppage time, Willy Boly snatched a point for the hosts with a header.
The result left Newcastle 16th, one point and two places above the relegation zone, while Wolves stayed seventh.
“Everyone knew we had three points and it was very disappointing to concede the way we conceded,” Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez said.
“I think it was a difficult game. They were pushing and we could do better. These kind of balls, just punch the ball and it’s finished. But it’s what happened.”
When Martin Dubravka was beaten to the ball by Boly, it looked as if the keeper had let slip a vital win with a big mistake.
But replays suggested Boly had fouled Dubravka as he jumped.
Benitez did not blame officials but bemoaned his side’s fortune, having also conceded in the fifth minute of added time when the teams met at St James’ Park.
“It was not very clear watching the replay (if it was a foul or not),” Benitez said.
“We know it’s England, we must defend the cross better. People will come against the keeper, he has to be stronger.”
Wolves had chances to equalise before Boly struck and manager Nuno Espirito Sanchez said he thought the result was fair, despite the end of their winning streak at three games.
“It came late but the performance deserved goals.” Nuno said.
“We created situations but the final touch was not there. It is something we must improve and be more clinical.
“Credit to Newcastle, they were so organised. Last minute shows the character of the team.”
Newcastle goalscorer Hayden said the result was hard to take. “It’s difficult to put into words,” he said.
“I don’t know whether it’s a foul or not, it looked a foul from the bench.
“It’s just another bit of bad luck on our part. We deserved the three points, but it wasn’t meant to be.”