LuaLua turns on Newcastle to rescue Pompey

Newcastle United's Alan Shearer

Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua, on loan from Newcastle, snatched an 89th minute equaliser that gave the Premiership strugglers a 1-1 draw against his parent club at Fratton Park.

Deocratic Republic of Congo forward LuaLua is on loan at Portsmouth for three months but, unlike other clubs in similar positions, Newcastle did not insert a clause in the deal preventing him playing against them.

It was a costly error as LuaLua volleyed home following a short corner routine, cancelling out Craig Bellamy's 34th minute goal, to grab a precious point for Pompey.

The result left Newcastle in fourth place, the last Champions League spot for English clubs, and two points ahead of Charlton.

Meanwhile Pompey, who face holders Arsenal in an FA Cup semi-final here Saturday, climbed out of the relegation zone having played one game fewer than third-from-bottom Wolves who are also on 24 points.

But it might have been a different story had not former England captain Alan Shearer, restored to the Newcastle line-up by manager Sir Bobby Robson after being rested for the midweek UEFA Cup tie against Valerenga, not missed two good chances.

However, Pompey might have taken an early lead if Nigerian striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu had kept his header from Eyal Berkovic's corner below instead of over the crossbar.

Pompey keeper Shaka Hislop, playing against his old club despite a finger injury, then saved bravely at the feet of Bellamy after dropping a Lee Bowyer cross.

Lua Lua almost broke the deadlock when, after being played in by Alexei Smertin, he saw his shot blocked by Newcastle keeper Shay Given.

Pompey then saw claims for a penalty turned down by referee Andy D'Urso in the 34th minute when Smertin was challenged by Andy O'Brien.

And two minutes later Newcastle should have been ahead. Bowyer miskicked from Bellamy's pull-back but the ball came to Shearer only for the former England captain to miss the ball completely at the far post.

Berkovic too proved equally error-prone moments later, the Israeli somehow shhoting wide from eight yards following Yakubu's pass.

And Newcastle made Pompey pay for their mistake in the 34th minute when Wales international Bellamy slotted home after Dyer waltzed through the home defence.

Just before the break Newcastle lost England midfielder Dyer through injury, his place taken by Jermaine Jenas.

Clearcut chances were at a premium in the second half with Pompey defender Amdy Faye doing well to make a saving tackle on Jenas in the 70th minute when the Newcastle man was clean through on goal.

Shearer them missed an 80th minute chance to seal the game for the visitors when he headed over from a corner.

It was an error that looked all the worse when LuaLua squared the game for Harry Redknapp's battling side just before the finish.