Half-time: Newcastle 0 West Ham 0

NEWCASTLE UNITED’S Premier League fate continues to hang in the balance after a goalless first half against West Ham.

With Hull also drawing 0-0 with Manchester United, as things stand a draw will be good enough for the Magpies to remain in the top-flight.

However, they will be relegated if they draw and Hull claim a victory, so a nervous second half is in store at St James’ Park.

Newcastle started much the brighter of the two sides, and Emmanuel Riviere dragged a shot wide within the opening minute after good work down the right from Moussa Sissoko.

West Ham were claiming for a penalty moments later when the recalled Mike Williamson tussled with Enner Valencia in the box, but the hosts continued to dominate the opening stages and Riviere fired an acrobatic volley wide in the sixth minute as he latched on to Daryl Janmaat’s cross.

Janmaat dragged an 18th-minute strike wide of the target after Jonas Gutierrez’s initial effort was blocked, but the best chance of the opening period went West Ham’s way midway through the half.

Stewart Downing beat the offside trap to reach Aaron Cresswell’s through ball, but Tim Krul got down well to save the former Middlesbrough winger’s shot with his legs.

The final chance of the first half came five minutes before the break, with Janmaat heading over at the back post following good work down the left from Jack Colback.