ALAN Pardew last night admitted Demba Ba's “anger” had fuelled the second-half salvo that secured Newcastle United a point at Everton.

Ba came off the substitutes' bench at the start of the second half to claim a dramatic double as the Magpies twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw.

The striker's first effort cancelled out Leighton Baines' first-half opener, while his second strike in the 90th minute came just two minutes after Victor Anichebe had fired Everton ahead for a second time.

The Senegal international was understandably disappointed to be left out of the starting line-up in order to accommodate Sylvain Marveaux, but Pardew was delighted to see him taking out his frustration on the Everton back four in the second half of the game.

“He scored two goals and could have had a hat-trick,” said the Newcastle manager, who was forced to watch from the stands as he served the first game of a two-match touchline ban. “Some players play well when they are angry and he played well.

“Sometimes, you need fuel in your belly. Demba didn't play for Senegal in the week and I think that upset him as well. The fact that Cisse got the goal for Senegal gave him the nod because I was always going to go with one striker here. That was the situation and he (Ba) was aggrieved by that, but he channelled it in exactly the right way.

“I can't keep everybody happy with this group of players. We've still got one or two in that dressing room who are smarting because they haven't been able to get on. It's a juggling act for us managers and we have to try to get it right.”

Pardew was delighted with his side's second-half recovery, but admitted they had been completely outclassed before the break.

“The first half was as bad as I've seen us play in my tenure,” he said. “It was just a team that lacked belief. Demba's second-half performance certainly gave us that belief, but everybody stepped on to Everton and on the second-half showing we just about deserved a point.”

Nevertheless, there was still an element of fortune about Newcastle's recovery with Everton seeing two perfectly good goals ruled out. Maroune Fellaini had an effort chalked off for offside even though he was level with the last defender, and assistant referee Ceri Richards failed to spot that Anichebe's headed effort had crossed the line before Mike Williamson cleared.

“The analyst said the one over the line was definitely in,” said Pardew. “I've been saying all along that the technology must come in. It's cost Everton a crucial goal.”

Prior to the game, Everton staged an emotional show of support for their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool, who are still digesting the publication of last week's independent report into the Hillsborough disaster.

The two home mascots wore Everton and Liverpool tops with the numbers nine and six on the back to represent the 96 fans who died in April 1989, and the players led a pre-match round of applause with The Hollies' “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother” playing in the background.

“When the disaster happened, Everton stood alongside Liverpool because the city is so mixed with the supporters,” said Everton boss David Moyes. “I think everyone here would say well done to the families for getting the justice they deserved. Everton stand alongside Liverpool in the travesty of justice they've had.”