Wolves level late to dent Newcastle’s survival hopes in EPL

Alaves end winless streak, move closer to European spots

WOLVERHAMPTON, England, Feb 12, (Agencies): Wolverhampton’s stoppage-time equalizer hurt Newcastle’s hopes of survival when they drew 1-1 in the English Premier League.

Defender Willy Boly headed home four minutes into injury time for Wolves, getting above Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to meet Adam Traore’s looping cross.

It’s the 14th time Wolves have scored in the last 10 minutes this season.

Wolves started brightly, but Newcastle settled into the game, and Isaac Hayden’s first goal in 17 months looked to have won it for the visitors and quietened the home crowd.

Wolves missed a chance at a fourth one more point but it is a pity because we could have had three.”

Newcastle moved up to 16th in the standings, ahead of Cardiff City on goal difference, and next host basement side Huddersfield Town in the league on Feb 23.

In Madrid, Alaves defeated Levante 2-0 in the Spanish League on Monday to end a four-match winless streak and move closer to qualifying for European competitions.

The win moved Alaves to sixth place, enough for a Europa League berth next season. It is two points off fourth-placed Sevilla, the last team in the Champions League spots.

Alaves had lost three in a row, being outscored 8-0.

Victor Laguardia scored in the first half and Jony in stoppage time at Mendizorroza Stadium.

“We are in good position in the standings, but it would be a mistake to talk about any goal other than escaping relegation right now,” Laguardia said.

Levante, who won only one of their last nine league matches, dropped to 14th place, four points from the relegation zone.

Defending champions Barcelona have a six-point lead over Real Madrid at the top.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez gives instructions during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux in Wolverhampton,

England on Feb 11. (AP)