ALL SQUARE IN TYNE-WEAR DERBY
Both goals came somewhat against the run of play, as Sunderland scored with what was their first real chance and Newcastle`s equaliser came at a point when The Black Cats were looking at their most composed.
Phillips` first goal from open play this term highlighted Newcastle`s frailty in the air at the back, while The Magpies` effort came from a link up between their two most threatening players - Laurent Robert and goalscorer Bellamy.
The introduction of Alan Shearer mid-way through the second-half added impetus, if it was needed, to Newcastle`s cause, but neither side could find the breakthrough to claim the points, although Nolberto Solano wasted a glaring opportunity in the dying moments.
Newcastle, as you would expect in front of a vociferous St James` Park crowd, started much the brighter and speedy duo Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert caused headaches down the flanks.
Bernt Haas in particular was finding it difficult to control Robert and he was booked for a petulant hack at the Frenchman.
Haas` day did not improve any, as he had to have a number of stitches inserted into a head wound after a clash that saw Newcastle defender Robbie Elliott leave the field with concussion.
Bellamy, who was a threat throughout the entire match, found himself racing in on Sorensen, but he lost control under pressure from Haas.
Newcastle looked by far the more polished outfit in the first-half and Shola Ameobi tried to race clear, but he lost control of the ball when The Magpies had an extra man on the break.
Newcastle, though, have proved particularly frail in the air in previous seasons and it reared its head again when Sunderland hit-man Phillips opened the scoring on 34 minutes.
Stefan Schwarz whipped in a cross and the Newcastle defence stood and watched, probably wary of the aerial threat of Niall Quinn, as the diminutive England marksman stole in to glance a header past the exposed Shay Given.
The goal will have been a particular annoyance to Toon boss Bobby Robson, as his side had dominated play until they conceded.
However, despite Quinn going close with a header, The Magpies regrouped and were rewarded for their earlier efforts when Bellamy deservedly hauled his side level.
The former Coventry flyer was superbly released by Robert, and he showed a clear pair of heals to Emerson Thome before firing a powerful shot past Thomas Sorensen, who could only palm the ball into the corner.
Newcastle carried their dominance into the second-half, and Robert demonstrated his lightning pace as he strode clear down the left and his cross almost resulted in a goal, but Bellamy`s flick flew inches over the bar.
Robert was the outlet Newcastle were continually looking for, and Warren Barton released him down the left, but he shot weakly at Sorensen when a cross to either Bellamy or Ameobi would have been the better option.
As the second-half wore on Newcastle were breaking at will but, frustratingly for their fans, they continually failed to test Sorensen.
Solano, Ameobi and Clarence Acuna all failed to make the keeper work, although the latter had a fair claim for a penalty when Thome appeared to bring him down in the box.
Sunderland`s major threat was from set-pieces, and they did cause panic when the likes of Quinn and Don Hutchison were jumping in the box against the Newcastle back-line.
Solano had a gilt-edged chance 25 minutes from time, as Aaron Hughes` perfectly-weighted cross presented the Peruvian with a heading opportunity from eight yards but he somehow glanced the ball wide.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, St James' rose to its feet when Robson introduced Alan Shearer for his first game since March after two knee operations to cure tendinitis.
Shearer made an immediate impact, and showed no sign of nerves about his injury, as he threw himself into a tackle and came out with possession.
The game opened up in the latter stages and with time running out Solano was set free, but he shot weakly at Sorensen, who later made a remarkable save to earn his side a point.
Speaking after his first outing since March, Shearer said: "It is great to be back, it has been a long time but I am on the fringe of things and am just looking to get games under my belt."
To view the match summary, click on the link below.
