Newcastle United have earned a point at Upton Park in their fight for survival as they played out a controversial goalless draw with West Ham United.
The Magpies felt a sense of injustice as Papiss Cisse's lob over Jussi Jaaskelainen appeared to cross the line before Winston Reid got back and cleared the ball. However, referee Phil Dowd failed to rule it as a goal.
© PA Photos
The first chance of the match went to Mohamed Diame, who beat the returning Fabricio Coloccini's challenge but fired his effort over the bar.
The Magpies then took control and after Cisse's effort, Yoan Gouffran seeing a good chance well-blocked by James Collins.
Despite being the better team of the first half, Newcastle failed to create clear-cut chances, while West Ham put in a lacklustre effort.
West Ham came to life after the break and former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll headed just wide from a Matt Jarvis cross before Ricardo Vaz Te had a penalty shout turned down when Coloccini clumsily took him out.
The Irons continued to press with Carroll again going close and goalkeeper Rob Elliot pulling off a fine double save to keep the game goalless.
Gouffran and Shola Ameobi failed to find the target with rare Newcastle chances before substitute Joe Cole clipped the woodwork with a late free kick.
Newcastle will feel hard done by with the disallowed goal going against them, although West Ham had the best of the second half.
The point gained could be crucial in their fight against relegation as they sit just three point above the drop zone. West Ham, meanwhile, move to 43 points with their Premier League status virtually secured.
Grant Yardley
