Returning Darlow hails Magpies' 'courage'

Hal Robson-Kanu’s 45^th-minute header – the third time in a row that United have conceded on the stroke of half time – and Sam Field’s volley looked to have put Rafa Benítez’s side well on the way to a fifth straight Premier League defeat.

However, Ciaran Clark’s pinpoint header quickly reduced the arrears, and a late own goal by Salomón Rondon handed United a valuable point at the Hawthorns.

And Darlow – speaking after his first league appearance of the campaign – acknowledged that it could have got even better for the Magpies late on, Albion’s earlier supremacy fading markedly in the closing 30 minutes.

“It’s a big point and it keeps us going,” he told nufc.co.uk. “2-0 down away from home, the lads showed fight and courage to come back and play such good football, get the point and we could have nicked it right at the end.

“Ciaran’s goal was massive. It changed the game – after conceding the second, we quietened the crowd straight away. It was an important goal and we went from strength to strength after that.

“It was disappointing to go in 1-0 down (at the break). When we’re level, I think we need to make sure we’re like that when we get to half time – we need to make sure we’re concentrated and we’re doing everything we can to keep the ball out the back of the net. But, credit to the lads – they battled back and we got the point.”

Prior to Tuesday’s clash, Darlow’s only start this term had come in August’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to former club Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park, with Rob Elliot chosen between the sticks in each and every one of United’s top-flight fixtures.

He insisted he was always ready to seize his chance when the moment came, though, and was satisfied enough with his own display in the Black Country.

“The manager rotates quite often, so you have to be ready each week and I’m just pleased to be back and playing for Newcastle,” he said.

“I was happy. I knew I needed to manage myself through my first game back after not playing for a while, but I felt good. I felt like I did alright, so we’ll see what kind of team he picks on Saturday!”