Newcastle United are leading West Bromwich Albion thanks to an early strike from their prolific striker Demba Ba.

The Senegalese hitman scored his seventh goal of the season with a sweetly-struck volley that gave Ben Foster no chance.

West Brom had chances to restore parity through Romelu Lukaku but he was denied on two occasions thanks to brilliant saves from Tim Krul.

Shola Ameobi missed a gilt-edge chance after some wonderful approach play from Hatem Ben Arfa, but he miscued from close range.

Steve Clarke's side pressured in the closing stages but trail after 45 minutes in a tight encounter at St. James' Park.