Kamara dents Magpies survival hopes

Mark Viduka was controversially denied a precious second-half equaliser after Diomansy Kamara's 41st-minute strike proved to be enough for the points at St James` Park.

The Australian thought he had levelled five minutes after the break to give his side a lifeline. However, referee Howard Webb harshly chalked off his effort for a foul by Kevin Nolan on keeper Mark Schwarzer to dump the Magpies, who played the last half-hour with 10 men after defender Sebastien Bassong had been sent off.

Newcastle, who had skipper Michael Owen missing with a groin injury, went close 12 minutes from time, but Schwarzer pulled off a fine save to deny Obafemi Martins, who had earlier hit the post, and then kept out Nicky Butt's injury-time effort.

They now face a trip to Aston Villa next Sunday knowing even victory might not be enough if other results go against them.

Newcastle fell behind in controversial circumstances. Danny Murphy's pass found Erik Nevland in acres of space on the right and with the home defence appealing in vain for an offside flag, he raced away before squaring for Kamara, who evaded Sebastien Bassong and Steven Taylor on the line to fire into the roof of the net.

In the second half, Newcastle laid siege to the Fulham goal, but they were wasteful in promising positions with Jonas Gutierrez particularly guilty.

However, disaster struck on the hour when central defender Bassong was sent off for hauling down Kamara 40 yards from goal.

Obafemi Martins got in 12 minutes from time only to be denied by Schwarzer, and the keeper pulled off a superb injury-time to keep out Nicky Butt's effort.