West Ham threw away a two-goal lead as they drew 2-2 with Newcastle United at Upton Park

Goals from Mark Noble and Dean Ashton put the Hammers 2-0 up in the opening half-hour, before Obafemi Martins and Geremi both netted as the half drew to a close.

The home side had the run of play right from the kick-off, and they got their reward on ten minutes when George McCartney's cross was volleyed in by Noble.

The lead was doubled midway through the half when Bobby Zamora nodded a long ball across the box for strike partner Ashton, and the striker turned past defender Steven Taylor and fired a low shot past Steve Harper in the Newcastle goal.

Alan Curbishley's side continued to dominate for the rest of the half, but with three minutes to go until half time Joey Barton's ball from the centre circle evaded young defender James Tomkins and Martins pounced to stab a clinical finish past Robert Green.

Then, with their next attack, Kevin Keegan's side equalised as Martins blasted a shot from the edge of the area and it rebounded off of Geremi's head and past Green.

That goal was another disappointment for West Ham, as earlier in the half they lost Freddie Ljungberg through injury, after the Swede fell awkwardly when stretching to make a pass.

The second half did not live up to the excitement of the first, as West Ham resumed their dominance but failed to create many more chances.

McCartney blasted over after Ashton set up a good opportunity for him, before Harper made a good reaction save from Ashton with 10 minutes remaining to ensure his side left with a point and stretched their unbeaten run to seven games.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport