Pardew's Praise Of Resilience And Character

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Alan Pardew was delighted to bring a point back to Tyneside after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Yoan Gouffran gave United an early lead and they had plenty of chances to increase their first half advantage through Papiss Cisse, Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye, although failed to do so.

The Baggies were a different proposition after the break, however, and Billy Jones deservedly levelled for the hosts, who spent much of the second period on the front foot.

And while it was a game of two very contrasting halves in the eyes of Newcastle's manager, he was delighted to see his troops show different sides to their game.

"It was a tremendous first half, real energy on the pitch and you could see that the team had its function back," Pardew told nufcTV following the final whistle.

"We had an idea about what we were doing and that comes from having the rest we've had this week.

"We should have been leading 2-0 at half-time - we had the game exactly where we wanted it.

"But in the second half West Brom changed it and went really direct, as direct as any team has against us. And they found that beneficial because they were bashing us about a bit.

"We had to show a different side to us, a resilience and a character.

"We conceded a goal but we certainly deserved the point, no doubt about that."

As well as his players, Pardew also paid tribute to the sold-out away section at the Hawthorns, which roared the Magpies on to a crucial point.

"They were absolutely brilliant," said the boss.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to them because it was important we got a good reaction from them after last Sunday, which they gave us."

To watch Alan Pardew's full post-match nufcTV interview, click here