Crystal Palace edged a point closer to safety by battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park this evening.
The Magpies, who are now unbeaten in 11 games against Palace in all competitions, made the breakthrough in a first half devoid of any real clear-cut chances courtesy of Papiss Cisse's powerful header.
Yannick Bolasie's introduction 20 minutes from time made a huge difference for an Eagles side struggling to find that extra bit of quality needed in the final third, and it was his cross which led to Fraizer Campbell's equaliser just a few moments later.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at how both sets of players rated following the 90 minutes of action in South London.
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CRYSTAL PALACE
Goal
Julian Speroni: The only shot on goal he had to contend with all night was the one which flew right past him in the first half. Cisse's header provided a rare moment of quality for the visiting side, leaving the Brazilian rooted to his spot. (6/10)
Defence
Joel Ward: Solid enough performance from the full-back who always provides 100% in a Palace shirt. Newcastle barely caused any trouble down his flank. (6/10)
Brede Hangeland: Almost won it for his side late on with a headed attempt from a set piece which Krul did well to keep out. Remained solid at the back throughout to deny the opposition. (6/10)
Damien Delaney: The visitors failed to muster up any real clear-cut chances, so this was barely Delaney's busiest evening. That said he did well to deal with balls in and around the box to shut out the Magpies. (6/10)
Martin Kelly: Hauled off for Bolasie 20 minutes from time in a change which proved decisive in the end. His major contribution was allowing Janmaat to cross for the opening goal. (5/10)
Midfield
Jason Puncheon: Was his side's liveliest player across the 90 minutes, providing many a cross which led to chances for Zaha and Campbell to fire away. Helped drive the Eagles on from midfield. (7/10)
James McArthur: Another decent showing from the central midfielder, who will be happy to have avoided the headlines following his recent touchline spat with Nigel Pearson. Pardew now has a choice to make whether to drop him or teammate Ledley - if either - in place of the returning Miles Jedinak. (6/10)
Joe Ledley: He produced a fine display in his side's last home outing, but he was less effective this evening. Moved to left back for the final quarter of the game, and perhaps he will remain there in place of Kelly in the coming weeks. (5/10)
Wilfried Zaha: Certainly cannot accuse him of not trying. Always involved and perhaps should have scored with a rare opening just moments after his side levelled. Tracked back to record eight ball recoveries in the opening 45 minutes, but failed with six of his seven take-ons. A real mixed bag but he appeared to be one of the only players who could make something happen at times. (7/10)
Attack
Marouane Chamakh: Did well to link play with his teammates, particularly Sanogo in their short time together up top, but largely frustrating in front of goal before being replaced. (6/10)
Yaya Sanogo: Was looking to produce a strong performance in front of his home supporters tonight, yet it was not to be as injury restricted him to just 25 minutes. Struck one wayward shot during that time. (5/10)
Substitutes
Fraizer Campbell: Could see just how delighted he was to get his name back on the scoresheet, and that came after the disappointment of having one ruled out beforehand. Could now be given a run in the team which will only benefit him in the long run. (7/10)
Yannick Bolasie: The difference maker, coming on and setting up Campbell for the equaliser within the space of three minutes. Then produced the ball which created an opening for Zaha, which his teammate failed to convert. Huge bonus for Palace to have him back among their ranks following his recent Africa Cup of Nations exploits. (7/10)
Dwight Gayle: He may have scored two goals against Newcastle already this season, but he badly struggled to get into the game after replacing Chamakh midway through the second half here tonight. (5/10)
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NEWCASTLE UNITED
Goal
Tim Krul: Highlighted just how important he is to the cause by denying Hangeland's header late on in what was Palace's only real attempt on goal all game other than Campbell's strike which left the Dutchman with no chance. (7/10)
Defence
Daryl Janmaat: Arguably the best player on the field, not least because of his quality cross for Cisse to power home. Also won six out of his seven tackles to ensure that he helped out both in a defensive and an attacking sense. (7/10)
Mike Williamson: Did not have a great deal to contend with, but remained strong in large and even tried his luck up the other end with a wayward shot on the turn. Will be disappointed by the way his side conceded the equalising strike. (5/10)
Fabricio Coloccini: Main talking point surrounded an off-the-field incident which saw his seemingly struck by a coin from the home end while celebrating his side's goal. Caretaker boss John Carver was understandably furious following the game. (6/10)
Massadio Haidara: Did well up until the moment Bolasie was brought on, from which point it all went a little downhill which perhaps explains why Dummett was introduced for the closing stages. (5/10)
Midfield
Moussa Sissoko: Asked to play in a more defensive role this evening and it simply did not suit him. Completed just five out of 11 attacking-third passes which is a rather poor return from a man who we know can provide a real threat in dangerous areas. (5/10)
Jack Colback: No goal this time out, but a vital player for this Toon side nonetheless. Hardly set the world alight at Selhurst Park, although he quietly went about his job as he looked to make a difference in an attacking sense. (6/10)
Ayoze Perez: difficult to remember him doing anything of note, which may be down to the system being played more than anything else. Either way, this was not his day. (5/10)
Remy Cabella: He was hauled off late on in place of a defender, which led to supporters chanting "Are you Pardew in disguise?" to their temporary manager. The decision did not go down well, with Cabella offering a little bit of zip at times. (6/10)
Yoan Gouffran: Another who offered next to nothing, and this is despite him being afforded a full 90 minutes. Surely an improvement is needed if he is to retain his place in this side? (5/10)
Attack
Papiss Cisse: Isolated up top far too often, although with Cisse you know what you are going to get if you provide him with chances. Bagged his 10th goal of the campaign with his side's only effort on target during the contest. (7/10)
Substitutes
Mehdi Abeid: All three Toon changes were made in the final 12 minutes, with Abeid afforded the most time. Still too late on for him to make any real difference, however. (5/10)
Emmanuel Riviere: Brought on to help run the clock down at the death as Newcastle were seemingly happy to leave South London with a share of the spoils. (5/10)
Paul Dummett: Seemed a little strange to bring him on to play in a role out wide on the left, although the threat of Bolasie clearly played a part in Carver's decision. (5/10)
Daniel Lewis
