Michael Owen scored a first-half double to earn resurgent Newcastle a 2-0 victory over North-East rivals Sunderland at St James' Park.The England striker netted early on with a soaring header and followed up with a penalty in first-half stoppage time to move Kevin Keegan's side level on points with 11th-placed Tottenham.

The Black Cats made a bright start and could have taken the lead after three minutes when Kenwyne Jones cut in from the left but his shot was comfortably saved by Steve Harper.

But the Magpies took the lead 60 seconds later when Geremi's inviting right-wing cross picked out Owen and his fine header hit the top corner of Craig Gordon's net.

Harper then pulled off a routine save from Andy Reid's long-distance shot, while Gordon denied Habib Beye following good work by Joey Barton.

Dean Whitehead then skied a decent opening over the bar before Newcastle were awarded a 45th-minute penalty when Danny Higginbotham was adjudged to have handled in the area after attempting to tackle Owen. The England marksman stepped up to fire home his 12th goal of the season from the penalty spot, though Gordon could consider himself unlucky after getting a hand to the striker's spot-kick.

The Black Cats improved after the break but were finding Newcastle's defence in an unfamiliar mean mood. And the first decent opening of the second period came at the other end when Obafemi Martins found himself through on goal, but Gordon stood tall to deny the Nigerian's shot.

Harper then pulled off an equally-impressive save as play switched down the other end with the Magpies stopper diving low to his right to push away Jones' header.

Nicky Butt came close to adding a third with a curling effort just over the bar, as the Magpies recorded a routine win to secure local bragging rights and leave Sunderland still in search of the victory they require to guarantee Premier League survival.

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