Newcastle United were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa in their first home match of the season on a rain-soaked afternoon at St James’ Park.

A two-goal victory would have taken Sam Allardyce’s men top, temporarily at least, but that never looked likely as both sides seemed to cancel each other out on what was a frustrating day for United fans.

The result means the Magpies have now not scored in 560 minutes of Premier League action at St James’ Park - a run stretching back to February when Nobby Solano’s penalty was the difference as United beat Liverpool 2-1.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, United’s best opportunity fell to defender David Rozehnal, but the Czech international’s left foot volley was parried away by Debutant Villa ‘keeper Scott Carson.

At the other end, Toon ‘keeper Steve Harper was called into action more frequently, making some important saves, most notably from a Martin Laursen header early on and a Nigel Reo-Coker effort in the second half.

Even the return of Michael Owen from a thigh injury couldn’t inspire Newcastle to a late win and Sam Allardyce’s side trudged off the field to some muted boos from a disappointed home crowd at the final whistle.

Allardyce kept faith with the same team that played so well in the first half at Bolton seven days ago meaning home debuts for Rozehnal, Alan Smith, Mark Viduka and new skipper Geremi, the returning Owen had to be content with a place on the bench, replacing want away midfielder Nobby Solano.

Despite a few empty seats, Villa, who have won just twice at Newcastle in the Premiership, kicked off to an electric atmosphere inside St James’ Park.

And it was Martin O’Neills side who almost opened the scoring in the ninth minute as a powerful John Carew strike from outside the box had to be tipped over by Harper.

A minute later Harper was again called into action as a Villa corner from the right was met by an unmarked Martin Laursen, but the Dane headed straight at the United keeper from point-blank range when he really should have done better.

It was an instinctive save from Harper who was playing only his 92nd game for the club at senior level.

With 30 minutes gone, a clever ball inside the Villa left back by Mark Viduka sent James Milner clear and his intelligent pull back was met by Alan Smith but the England man scuffed his shot and the danger was cleared.

That was United’s first real chance and five minutes later, they came even closer.

An over hit Geremi corner was retrieved by Milner, the former Leeds man crossed to the back post with the ball falling kindly to Rozehnal and the Czech international unleashed a left foot volley that was destined for the top right corner but for Carson’s excellent fist away.

On the hour mark Newcastle again had Harper to thank for keeping the score at 0-0 as the United keeper got down well to tip a curling effort from Nigel Reo-Coker round the post and behind for a corner after a Villa breakaway.

With 27 minutes to go, the home fans were on their feet to applaud the return of record signing Michael Owen who replaced Obafemi Martins as Newcastle reverted to 4-4-2 and pushed for the victory.

A frenetic final ten minutes saw lots of endeavour from both sides, but neither was able to find the winning goal.

As the game went into extra time, Brazillian defender Claudio Cacapa made Newcastle history as he came off the bench to become the 1000th player to pull on the black and white stripes in competitive football.

Newcastle: (4-3-3) Harper; Carr, Rozehnal, Taylor, N’Zogbia; Geremi (Cacapa, 90), Butt, Smith; Milner, Viduka (Ameobi, 77), Martins (Owen, 63).

Subs not used: Forster, Ramage.

Aston Villa: (4-3-3) Carson; Gardner, Mellberg, Laursen, Bouma; Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry; Agbonlahor, Carew (Moore, 66), Young.

Subs not used: Taylor, Cahill, Maloney, Harewood.

Attendance: 51, 049

Referee: Howard Webb.

How disappointed were you with the performance today? Were there any positives to take from the game? On this evidence, does Sam Allardyce still need to strengthen the squad? Have your say below.