NEWCASTLE United head coach Eddie Howe lauded Allan St Maximin’s moment of magic and they way his team battled their way back into the game after a slow start.

The Frenchman struck an outstanding volley just before stoppage time to level the game against Wolves as the tie finished 1-1 at Molineux.

“Incredible finish from Allan” said Howe. “When that ball was popped up in the air, he’s so unpredictable. You don’t quite know what is going to happen next with him. What a finish, what technique to use. It’s a great goal.”

After being quiet during the game, St Maximin’s impact on the game grew and bared fruit in the dying stages as Howe continued: “Maybe he wasn’t quite at the levels of Manchester City today but I still thought he was good. He probably had a slow start to the game but then grew into it and second half, as the team did, I thought he played better.

“Moved him into a central position and that is ultimately where he got his goal from but overall, I always have to judge it on the attitude and the commitment he has given to the team and as I said, I felt that was there all through the match. So very pleased with him.”

On the game itself, Newcastle fell behind close to half-time when Rueben Neves blasted the ball from 20 yards into the bottom left corner. The Magpies thought the game was out of reach in the 84th minute when Raul Jiminez scored on a counter attack only for VAR to rule the goal out against Ryan Fraser.

Howe added his thoughts on the performance and said: “Mixed really. I thought first half we had the chance to really control and dominate the game. I felt we just let it slip away from us at times. That control, I thought we could have but it didn’t really materialise.

“Credit to Wolves, they have got some good players but I felt it was more self induced lack of control but second half was much better, I was very pleased. We made better decisions on the ball, probed better around their box and ultimately ended up getting our rewards for that.”

The pendulum swung both Wolves and Newcastle's way at different points in the game but the Magpies dug their heels in at times and showed spirit to get something from the game.  

"I think if you look at the impact of the subs today, Matt Targett, Ryan Fraser, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson all made a positive impact on the team" said the Newcastle head coach.

"Unless they are in the right frame of mind when they enter the pitch and their actually involved in the game, that doesn’t happen so that’s a great sign.

"I think you get a feeling when you score, the emotions from the bench were genuine from the guys that haven’t come on. It’s a massive thing and big credit to our supporters for their noise and support all through the game."