Half-Time Report: Newcastle United, Cardiff City goalless at half time

Newcastle United are drawing 0-0 with Cardiff City at St James' Park in their FA Cup third-round tie this afternoon.

© AFP

Davide Santon came up with Newcastle's first chance of the game as he found himself in space outside the box, but his long-range effort flashed high and wide of the Cardiff goal.

The visitors responded through midfielder Don Cowie, who was able to get on the end of a decent cross, but his header flew straight into the arms of the keeper in the centre of the Newcastle goal.

Kevin McNaughton was next to have a go for City as his right-footed shot from outside the box came close, but it was just a little too wide and edged past the top-left corner.

Cowie wasted a great opportunity for Cardiff after 20 minutes when he eased back a little too much, allowing his close-range effort to go sailing over the crossbar.

The hosts thought that they had taken the lead just after the midway point when midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa unleashed a strong effort from outside the box, only to see the ball rattle the post and escape from danger, before Yoan Gouffran tried again from distance and saw his effort creep wide.