A fortuitous Yoan Gouffran goal has ensured that Newcastle United have entered the half-time break of their Premier League clash with Southampton level at 1-1.

Newcastle began the game with plenty of intensity to their play and Moussa Sissoko, Ayoze Perez and Gouffran all fired shots goalwards inside the opening 15 minutes.

Eljero Elia of Southampton celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

However, the Saints took the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute as Eljero Elia notched his first goal for the club with a clinical finish beyond his compatriot Tim Krul.

The goal gave the visitors a foothold in the game and Jose Fonte came close to making it 2-0 with a towering header that flew inches over the bar from James Ward-Prowse's right-wing free kick.

However, just as Southampton took the lead against the run of play, Newcastle drew back on level terms after being on the back foot themselves.

Yoan Gouffran of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

Remy Cabella's through-ball caused confusion among the Saints backline and Fonte's attempted clearance cannoned off the thigh of Gouffran and bounced into an empty net.

Perez was lively in attack for the Magpies and came close to putting them ahead five minutes before the break, but the Spaniard's half volley on the stretch dropped the wrong side of the far post.