Loic Remy scored twice to hand Newcastle United a 2-1 lead at the halfway point of their Premier League clash against Hull City.
Newcastle started the game positively and took the lead in the 10th minute when Remy reacted quickly to head in a disappointing shot on goal from Papiss Cisse.
Hull responded well to the early setback and had a good chance of their own midway through the first half when Danny Graham forced Tim Krul into a good save from a powerful header.
The visitors were back on level terms in the 26th minute when a flowing passing move ended with Robbie Brady striking the equaliser through Krul's legs from 12 yards out.
Graham had another chance before the break but the forward's poor run of form continued when he lost control of the ball at a crucial time inside the Newcastle box.
However, Remy had the final say in the first period when he picked up a loose ball to curl home an effort just after Yohan Cabaye had seen a shot blocked.
Callum Mulvihill
