By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Steven Taylor believes Newcastle's 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Saturday highlights just how good the Magpies' team spirit is.

Minutes into the second half, the defender's clearance hit Javier Hernandez before finding its way into the back of the net, however the visitors hit back soon after through Demba Ba's penalty.

Very few teams recover from falling behind at Old Trafford, and after the final whistle Taylor claimed that in previous seasons he thinks Newcastle would have slipped to a similar fait in the same circumstances.

But not this year, a campaign in which time and time again Alan Pardew's side have stood toe to toe with the best in the country.

"It is a deserved point. We performed well and came here with great intentions," Taylor told nufc.co.uk.

"In the first half I thought we were the better side. In the second half they were a bit fortunate with their goal - a clearance and a ricochet.

"In recent years we probably would have sat back and accepted defeat, but we came out fighting and the lads were fantastic, We got the goal, and it showed a lot of courage from Demba to stay clam when everyone was going mad about the penalty.

"It was a fantastic performance from us - as a team we were absolutely delighted in there (the dressing room) to get the point, because Old Trafford is a difficult place to come.

"It wasn't just about the defence. We created chances, we asked them questions and we caused them problems. We knew before the game hat we have got some very good attacking options for them to defend against.

"But defensively our character and team spirit shone through. People were putting themselves on the line and blocking anything that came near the goal.

"It was a fantastic all-round performance from the lads and we can be very proud with the point."

And with 1,800 Toon Army fans roaring their side on throughout the contest, Taylor paid tribute to the away contingent who more than played their part in the result.

"The travelling fans were fantastic and it was great for them. We went across there at the end of the match, the players, staff and everyone else showing them our appreciation," said the centre-back.

"They enjoyed the result, will have gone home happy and will have probably had a few drinks too! To get a point here, what a result that is."