Newcastle Vs. Everton Live, 2011 Premier League: Halftime, Magpies Lead 2-1

Newcastle United played a great opening 45 minutes against Everton and appeared that they were going to head into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, but a set piece goal in first half stoppage time has made this game a little more interesting. The Magpies lead 2-1 at St. James' Park and will be happy with their performance so far, but Alan Pardew won't be happy that his side has allowed Everton to come right back into the game just before the half.

The opening goal was an absolutely disastrous one for the Toffees, with John Heitinga putting a terrible own goal past Tim Howard. He tried to control a bouncing ball in the 12th minute, but inexplicably, while under no pressure, completely messed up his control and somehow kicked the ball into the back of the net.

Newcastle would add a second in the 29th minute, with that goal feeling a bit more earned. Ryan Taylor was the goal scorer, and his strike was an absolute stunner. While on the edge of the penalty area, 10 yards left of the center of the pitch, he hit an unbelievable right-footed volley that looped over the head of Tim Howard and dropped into the net right at the upper 90 at the far post, putting his team up 2-0.

But Jack Rodwell would nick one in the second minute of stoppage time, as Danny Simpson completely lost the big midfielder on a corner kick. Rodwell put in a header off a cross by Royston Drenthe, and Everton are very much back in the game after a first half that was largely disappointing.