Elliot Content With Derby Draw

By Dominic Scurr

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot felt Newcastle United ended Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby on a positive note as they drew 1-1 with Sunderland at St. James' Park.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's header seven minutes from time cancelled out Jermain Defoe's first-half opener to ensure a share of the spoils, as the Magpies ended a run of six consecutive defeats against their local rivals.

And following a poor first half display that saw United trail at the break, Elliot was encouraged with the way his team mates responded in the second period.

"It was a fair result and it could prove to be a crucial point for us," the impressive stopper told nufc.co.uk.

"Before the game we desperately wanted all three points but, considering how things went, we'll take the draw.

"We were poor in the first half and we knew we needed to be much better in the second half, which we were.

"We were more positive on the ball and created more chances but we still know there is a lot of work to do if we want to stay in this league.

"The mood in the dressing room afterwards was a lot more positive than it was at half-time. We managed to get the goal late on but we created chances. We just need to be more clinical.

"After Mitro's goal we had a few opportunities to go on and win it. We ended very much on the front foot. Sunderland had the first half but we certainly had the second, we just need to make sure we're the stronger side for the entire 90 minutes."

Elliot has kept the Magpies in a number of games this season and Sunday proved to be no different as he made a string of important saves - the pick of the bunch preventing former Newcastle loanee Patrick van Aanholt from doubling Sunderland's lead.

The United keeper was at full stretch to tip over van Aanholt's powerful effort from the edge of the six-yard box with an instinctive reaction save.

And the Republic of Ireland international was once again happy to play his part in the result.

"As a keeper you're pleased to make an important save when it means something in the game," Elliot continued.

"There has been a few games this season where I've been pleased to make a save but it hasn't mattered in the end because we didn't get the result. Looking back I'm pleased to have made an important save that kept us in the game.

"But in general, I thought our defence coped really well. Chancel (Mbemba) and Jamaal (Lascelles) were solid. I was especially pleased with Jamaal considering he hasn't played a lot of games and he's been thrown in with a lot of pressure and he's coped well.

"Six derby defeats in a row is not nice for anyone associated with Newcastle, so it's good that we've put a stop to that at least. Obviously it would have been better to get the win but now we know that we've put that to bed for the next time we play Sunderland.

"What is important now is that we concentrate on the remaining eight games and winning as many of them as possible so that we can stay in the Premier League.

"We've got a good two weeks to work with the manager so he can implement his ideas, because it's been hard as we haven't had a lot of time so far.

"Hopefully he will get his ideas across to the team and then we can kick on and prepare for a crucial game against Norwich."