Ayoze Perez scored in first-half stoppage time to give Newcastle United a 1-0 lead at half time against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
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A fairly uneventful first half saw chances at a premium, despite plenty of endeavour from both sides, but it was the Spanish striker who netted with a superb back-heel on the cusp of the break.
Saido Berahino was lucky to escape a booking after a mis-timed tackle on Fabricio Coloccini, and it was Sammy Ameobi who had the Magpies' best chance of the half prior to the goal.
The forward hit a swerving effort from outside the box on 11 minutes that struck the crossbar before Berahino fired in an effort for the Baggies shortly after.
West Brom were perhaps unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Graham Dorrans was pushed in the back by Ameobi just after the half-hour mark.
Youssouf Mulumbu wasted a good opportunity for West Brom towards the end of the half when he volleyed well over the bar when well-placed from a corner.
With the first half petering out, Perez provided the game's moment of genuine quality when he back-heeled in a cross to turn the ball into the bottom corner to give Alan Pardew's side the lead.
Paul Gorst
