Half-Time Report: Papiss Cisse fires Newcastle United ahead

A strike in the 42nd minute from Papiss Cisse has handed Newcastle United a 1-0 lead over Crystal Palace at the break in their Premier League clash.

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Palace started the game brightly as Yaya Sanogo released the run of Wilfried Zaha down the inside right channel, but the winger's attempt to beat Tim Krul from a tight angle failed as he fired his strike straight at the keeper.

The Magpies responded as Yoan Gouffran raided forward to the edge of the area and was presented with the chance to shoot at goal, but the Frenchman decided to pass out wide, spurning the opening, which allowed the home side to clear.

The home side thought they had taken the lead when substitute Fraizer Campbell latched on to Jason Puncheon's cross and flicked a header past Krul into the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Newcastle went ahead just before the break when Daryl Janmaat coasted down the right flank and cut the ball back into the box for Cisse to head past Julian Speroni.