Late Ritchie goal gives Newcastle 2-2 draw with Bournemouth

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Substitute Matt Ritchie scored moments after coming on in second-half stoppage time to snatch a 2-2 draw for Newcastle United against Bournemouth in a rip-roaring Premier League match at St James' Park on Saturday.

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka made two brilliant saves from Dominic Solanke in the first half, but he gifted the Bournemouth striker the opening goal in the 51st minute as he slipped trying to control a back pass to allow the forward in for a simple finish.

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The lead did not last long as Adam Smith was found to have pulled Fabian Schär's shirt in the box at a free kick and after a lengthy VAR review a penalty was awarded. Anthony Gordon smashed the spot-kick into the bottom corner in the 58th minute.

Gordon had a great chance to put the home side ahead in the 68th minute when he was played in behind the defence, but he took too much time to make up his mind and Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto was able to smother the danger.

It was to prove a costly error as Bournemouth went back up the other end and found Antoine Semenyo free on the right, and he ran at Newcastle defender Dan Burn before lashing a shot across Dubravka and in at the far post.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

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Roared on by the home crowd against his former team, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe made one last throw of the dice, sending on Ritchie as a late substitute in second-half stoppage time, and it was to prove an inspired move.

The 34-year-old was in the right place at the right time, firing home from close range to equalise, and though both sides had their chances in the remainder of stoppage game, the pulsating clash ended in a draw.

The point gave seventh-placed Newcastle a total of 37, while Bournemouth are 13th in the table on 28.