The spoils were shared between Newcastle United and Hull City this afternoon following a 2-2 draw at St James' Park.

Goals from Nikica Jelavic and Mohamed Diame gave Hull a two-goal lead, but the visitors were unable to hold on as Newcastle struck back.

Substitute Papiss Cisse bagged a brace in the final 17 minutes to rescue a point for his side which lifts them off the foot of the table.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at an entertaining 90 minutes on Tyneside.

Match statistics

Newcastle United
Shots: 15
On target: 7
Possession: 64%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 11

Hull City
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 36%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

Considering that they held a two-goal lead heading into the final 20 minutes, Hull will feel aggrieved not to have come away from St James' Park with all three points this afternoon. Both sides were restricted to minimal chances in the first half, with all four goals coming in the second half of what was an entertaining Premier League affair.

Jelavic and Diame's goals were strikes worthy of winning any football match, but Cisse provided the Magpies with an option that they have lacked during his injury absence, and he duly delivered with a brace to rescue them a point. It remains to be seen whether or not this result will be enough to keep United boss Alan Pardew in his job, but the former Charlton Athletic manager only has one man to thank this evening should he be given a vote of confidence.

Newcastle United's performance

Newcastle, who came into this game rooted to the foot of the table, made a bright start to the match with Emmanuel Riviere, Jack Colback and Remy Cabella each finding themselves in promising positions to make the breakthrough. The Magpies trio failed to make the most of their openings, however, and the hosts were ultimately punished by a less profligate Hull side who really should have seen the game out in the end.

Riviere remains without a goal since joining the club in the summer, and despite looking lively at times, when the ball did eventually come to him he could not find a way through. Mohamed Sissoko provided a great box-to-box option for Newcastle, but he too was guilty of lacking the final ball. In reflection, Magpies supporters will be happy with the point, although there is still far more to come from this team.

Hull City's performance

It was very much the same old story for Steve Bruce's side, who have yet again failed to capitalise on being in a promising position. At 2-0 up they looked comfortable, with Stephen Quinn being given a licence to roam forward and join the front pairing of Abel Hernandez and Jelavic.

It was Jelavic's goal which provided the breakthrough for the visitors in acrobatic fashion, and Diame's equally-impressive strike soon made things better for the Tigers. All their good work was undone, though, by the conceding of two goals which could both have been avoided. Allan McGregor perhaps should not have been beaten at his front post, while Yoan Gouffran had time and space to knock the ball down for Cisse, who bundled home his second. Hull will be safe from relegation this season on what we have seen so far, but if they are to push into the top half then they must see out games such as this.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Papiss Cisse: On the field for just 21 minutes, the Senegal international highlighted why he is such an important player for the Magpies with a double which salvaged them a draw. Cisse achieved in four minutes what Riviere could not in 70, by making the most of a slight opening on goal and firing home.

Biggest gaffe

Hull midfielder Quinn failed to convert from five yards out in the second half with his side holding a slender lead. As it turned out, it mattered little with Diame soon adding a second, but the Irishman really should have done better.

Referee performance

Neil Swarbrick had an impressive afternoon, although he did make a couple of questionable decisions in terms of the awarding of various free kicks. Supporters in the Gallowgate End felt that Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty when an opposition player seemingly handled in the box, but it would have been harsh had the officials given it.

What next?

Newcastle United: A trip to face Stoke City awaits for Pardew's charges, who are still without a victory in the Premier League this season.

Hull City: It has been a decent enough start to the season for the Tigers, but next up they face a real challenge as they host Manchester City at the KC Stadium.