NEWCASTLE striker Andy Cole's 23rd goal of the season thwarted English Premier League leaders Manchester United at St James' Park yesterday.
Paul Ince thought he had made it five away wins in a row for the visitors when he scored with a first-time shot on the hour.
But Cole, who earlier received two awards, celebrated by equalising in the 71st minute to give Newcastle a deserved point in a match they dominated.
Peter Beardsley made the equaliser. His delightful through ball found Robert Lee and his cross was headed home by Cole, who had had an unusually quiet game up to then.
United could have snatched victory in injury time but a sharp shot from substitute Roy Keane was tipped round the post by Mike Cooper.
However, the Old Trafford club still extended their lead to 13 points as second-placed Leeds had no game. They can make up ground on the leaders when they play away to Norwich tomorrow.
