Newcastle squander two-goal lead in 2-2 draw with Chelsea

Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox

NEWCASTLE, England, Dec 20 - Newcastle United were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea after Nick Woltemades first-half double was cancelled out by a Reece James free kick and Joao Pedro equaliser in an entertaining clash in the Premier League on Saturday.

Woltemade made amends for his own goal last week in a derby defeat by Sunderland, scoring the opener after less than four minutes when he pounced on a rebound before doubling the home sides lead from an Anthony Gordon cross in the 20th.

However, Chelsea skipper James halved the deficit four minutes into the second half with a curling free kick before the visitors equalised in the 66th from a long ball, with Joao Pedro escaping his marker to make it 2-2.

Newcastle substitute Harvey Barnes missed two opportunities to win it for the hosts but when the final whistle blew the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils. Chelsea remain fourth with 29 points while Newcastle are 11th with 23. REUTERS