It's all square at half time between Metalist Kharkiv and Newcastle United at Metalist Stadium in their Europa League clash.

Newcastle were the first team to threaten as Yohan Cabaye lifted over the top of the Metalist defence for Moussa Sissoko, who took the ball in stride but his tame effort was saved.

The Magpies threatened again, this time through Shola Ameobi as he latched onto Danny Simpson's cross and his deflected shot almost crept into the bottom corner but went agonisingly wide.

Metalist grew into the game as the half wore on and came close to opening the scoring as Cristian Villagra whipped in a cross to the back post but Jonathan Cristaldo headed the ball wide of the post.

Just before the break, Papiss Cisse missed a great chance to give his side the lead as the ball fell to him inside the area but he shot straight at Oleksandr Goryainov.