Nelson Oliveira's header cancelled out Ayoze Perez's opener to ensure that Newcastle United and Swansea City enter half time level at 1-1.

Both sides made a slow start at St James' Park, as Swansea remained content to keep possession in their own half.

© Getty Images

Newcastle almost took the lead against the run of play as Perez headed Vurnon Anita's cross marginally wide on their first serious attack.

Swansea almost found the lead with a header of their own as Ashley Williams missed from just six yards out, and they were made to pay as Perez gave the Magpies the lead.

Emmanuel Riviere darted down the left-hand side before his low cross was converted by the striker from six yards.

The Welsh side went in search of an equaliser and came close through a Federico Fernandez header, before Jefferson Montero sliced an effort horribly wide.

However, they found the back of the net at the end of the half as Oliveira headed in from a corner.