HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 NEWCASTLE UTD 2
Remy Cabella's late goal earned Newcastle United a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Town as Dutch international Daryl Janmaat made his debut.
Right-back Janmaat, who impressed with the Netherlands during their run to the World Cup semi-finals, made his first appearance for his new club at the John Smith's Stadium, having joined from Eredivisie side Feyenoord last month.
Last night was as strong an XI as Alan Pardew could have put out, with only Siem de Jong and Cheick Tiote missing of those you would think are in for a shout of being in the XI a week on Sunday. Both have knocks.
Cabella who stole the show with a lofted finish that took a big deflection two minutes from time, after Huddersfield debutant Radoslaw Majewski and former Mackem Jon Stead had turned things around following Emmanuel Riviere's opener.
For the first half-hour Newcastle played some really good stuff. Then fell out of the game. Those of a black- and-white persuasion will hope that fatigue played a part, which it probably did.
Both sides created early chances, Oliver Norwood flashing a free-kick wide for Huddersfield before Yoan Gouffran scuffed an effort wide at the other end.
Gouffran soon atoned for his miss as he set up the opener in the 16th minute, his deflected cross leaving former Monaco man Riviere with the simple task of tapping in from point-blank range.
Cabella enjoyed himself. He likes a wander and once he gets completely up to speed could be a joy to watch. Sissoko was strong in the middle of the park, which is where he belongs, while Janmaat and Massadio Haidara did well on either side of the defence.
Opportunities proved less frequent thereafter, but Majewski levelled in spectacular fashion in the 36th minute.
The former Nottingham Forest man curled a superb strike into the top corner, past a helpless Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal.
Huddersfield made 11 changes at half-time, while Pardew made a few switches as well in the second 45.
The hosts' attacking initiative paid off in the 66th minute when Stead's low strike deflected beyond Krul to give Huddersfield a lead they possibly deserved.
Paul Dummett powered narrowly wide from distance as Newcastle pushed for a leveller.
Their efforts were ultimately rewarded when Cabella, who also scored against Schalke on Sunday, latched on to a quick free-kick from substitute Ayoze Perez before lofting a wonderful chip over Joe Murphy and into the net to ensure the game ended all-square.
It was a difficult night to come to any real conclusions.
Huddersfield were stronger in the second half, they did have fresh legs in every position, and Newcastle found it difficult to create.
Krul, Coloccini, Janmaat, Williamson (Taylor, 63), Sissoko, Gouffran (Aarons, 54), Colback (Abeid, 63), Cabella, Haidara (Dummett, 63), Ferreyra (Obertan, 54), Riviere (Perez, 71).