Shola Ameobi denied Sunderland a first league double over their arch rivals in 42 years as Newcastle snatched a 1-1 draw at St James' Park.

Ameobi drilled home a 68th-minute penalty to cancel out Djibril Cisse's first-half strike as both sides emerged from a rip-roaring derby with something to show for their efforts.

However, the visitors were more than aggrieved at referee Howard Webb's decision to award the spot-kick for Steed Malbranque's challenge on Steven Taylor.

Cisse had put them in front 12 minutes before the break, tapping into an empty net after Steve Harper had saved the Frenchman's initial effort, although the Magpies responded well after half-time and were well worth a point which kept them out of the bottom three.

The point lifts the hosts into 15th on goal difference, two places below Ricky Sbragia's side.