PUKKI PUTS

Horror for Howe as 10-man Toon throw away vital edge

FIFTEEN games without a win this season for Newcastle United.

It is more than six months, a total of 191 days, since they last tasted victory.

Eddie Howe’s bid to keep Newcastle in the Premier League faltered again at the start of a crucial week, with Burnley up next on Saturday.

Teemu Pukki snatched a late equaliser to keep the Geordies bottom – after the home side battled for 80 minutes with 10 men following Ciaran Clarke’s brainless red card.

Skipper Callum Wilson fired Toon ahead on the hour against the odds. Howe extracted a brave, spirited and organised performance from his troops until the usual defensive mix-up ruined the night.

Wilson struck from the penalty spot, nervelessly smashing home despite a strong touch from Tim Krul.

The Toon Army raised the noise level in the second half in defiance at the dire situation Newcastle are facing. Only a win would do at the start of a pivotal week. It was on the cards when Jonjo Shelvey, who has become a tenacious enforcer under Howe, swung in a corner that Federico Fernandez nodded goalwards.

Billy Gilmour was jumping in the six-yard box with his arm in the air, and knocked the ball.

It took a VAR check at the pitchside screen from referee Andy Madley to give the spotkick. But like every game this campaign, they failed to keep a clean sheet.

Martin Dubravka flapped at a cross, pushing it out to Dimitris Giannoulis. He crossed to Pukki, who struck home a brilliant first-time volley.

It is 55 days since the Saudi-funded consortium took charge and, apart from the night the deal was done amid street celebrations at St James’ Park,