HARDLY the ideal derby warm-up. Newcastle United displayed commendable spirit and enterprise as they overturned an early deficit to claim the lead at Bayer Leverkusen, but familiar failings ultimately proved their undoing as they were held to a 2-2 draw.

Having conceded from yet another set-piece at the start of the game, the Magpies shipped a costly late goal yet again as Alejandro Grimaldo levelled for Bayer in the 88th minute. Time and time again this season, Newcastle have been unable to convert winning positions into a victory.

Their bright second-half display was worthy of delivering all three points, with Anthony Gordon claiming a goal and an assist as he scored from the spot for the third game in a row before delivering the cross that enabled substitute Lewis Miley to head home

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