Newcastle's backline is looking uncharacteristically assured tonight. That sunshine trip to La Manga clearly involved lots of defensive drills - and I'm not talking about slapping on the suncream.

Image source, Getty Images

Most of the game continues to be played in Stoke's third of the pitch. Newcastle's blunt attack is struggling to crack the Potters defence though.

Absolutely belting it down at the Britannia by the way...

We have a breakthrough! In terms of corners. Remarkably it has taken 56 minutes for either side to win a corner - and Stoke are the lucky recipients. But it isn't worth the wait. Newcastle clear a poor delivery at the front post.

Stoke threaten at the other end, but Ibrahim Afellay blasts an ambitious volley over the bar.

Image source, Reuters

Newcastle's midfield turn into a hungry pack of wolves, hunting down their prey in numbers. That wins the ball back near the halfway line, allowing Aleksandar Mitrovic to start a counter attack.

Mousa Sissoko's cross is cleared, but not for long. Newcastle probe again as Jonjo Shelvey's tries to thread through to Georginio Wijnaldum. Too ambitious.

Actually, Newcastle are looking more confident going forward. Steven Taylor brings the ball out from the back, supplying Moussa Sissoko but he cannot get a shot away.

The Magpies, remember, have scored just seven away goals this season - the lowest total in the entire English league.

Image source, AP

Sloppy start to the second half. Both teams lose possession cheaply, Stoke first through Erik Pieters and then Jonjo Shelvey hands back the ball.

I'd expect Newcastle to remain tight and compact at the start of this second half. But when they become more adventurous? Or perhaps they'll take a point?

As you were then. No changes for either side. The visitors get the ball rolling again.

"Welcome your mighty, mighty Potters!" shouts the bloke behind the Britannia mic. A few cheers from the home fans as the Stoke players return.

But Newcastle are a good minute behind their hosts, who are forced to brave the cold and windy elements first.

It has been a backs-to-the-wall job for Newcastle. Stoke have dominated possession and territory, but that's no good if they can't test the opposition keeper.

The Potters have just managed one shot on target. I'd imagine Mark Hughes's voice can be heard from outside the home dressing room door. And that's not a good thing for the Stoke players.

Image source, Opta

Nope, no goal to discuss over our half-time brew. Stoke have huffed and puffed, but Newcastle have been organised and resolute. Honestly they have!

Steve McClaren will be the happier of the two bosses. Newcastle moving out of the relegation zone as it stands.

Image source, Reuters

Newcastle threaten again. This time Magpies midfielder Moussa Sissoko seems to be clean through, but then - out of nowhere - is dispossessed by some heroic defending by Geoff Cameron. 

A minute of stoppage time for someone to nab a lead. Can't see it though.

Newcastle centre-half Steven Taylor bursts into the Stoke penalty area (I've no idea what he's doing there either) and tumbles under a challenge from Glenn Whelan. But it's all a bit theatrical. Referee Neil Swarbrick isn't having it, waving Taylor to his feet. On first glance it didn't look like a peno.

Is Steve McClaren finally managing to conjure an away performance out of the players?

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Stoke need a moment of brilliance if they are going to head into the break with a lead. And they nearly get it! Xherdan Shaqiri looks the likeliest player on the pitch to pull a rabbit of the hat, this time cutting in from the right and bending a left-footed shot just past the far post.

And here's the game in a nutshell. Stoke (left) are controlling the game and pressing forward, but can't find a way through a Newcastle side which is sitting back in numbers.

Image source, Opta

Stoke haven't asked enough questions of Newcastle's depleted defence. Oh hang on...Erik Pieters is storming down the left to the byeline.

The Dutch left-back swings in a deep cross towards the back post, requiring Newcastle full-back Paul Dummett to flick clear under pressure. Good defending.

No wonder Mark Hughes isn't happy. His side have huffed and puffed, but have only managed one shot on target. Even Newcastle have cracked two efforts at Jack Butland.