Joe Kinnear handed in his January wish-list to owner Mike Ashley this week. Newcastle fans must hope it included two very important words - Michael Owen.

The Magpies may have thrown away what, in the first half, looked like an easy three points. But the Newcastle number nine again proved his worth by grabbing his seventh and eighth goals of the season.

In an injury-hit campaign, where he has made just nine starts, Owen's strike rate was further proof that he remains one of the Premier League's most relaible marksmen. His sale - for a rumoured £5m in January, just cannot be contemplated. Wihout Owen's goals, his side would be rooted to the foot of the table.

His brace this afternoon, showed yet again that as a goal poacher, he has few peers. If only Newcastle could have held onto their lead. In a first half they totally dominated, Owen's strike partner Obafemi Martins should have weighed in with at least one of his own. Despite his willingness to run at defenders, Martins continues to be an unreliable finisher.

His replacement after 75 minutes, fit-again Mark Viduka gave a cameo performance of intelligent passing but he failed to threaten the Stoke goal. The the big Aussie could prove to be a major player for what looks like being a tough second half of the season - especially if partnered with Owen.

But Owen, linked again with a move to Everton in January, will be as livid as the home crowd that Newcastle failed to take all three points today.

Stoke were awful in the first half, showing non of their trademark workrate and physical threat. Even Rory Delap's throws failed to threaten as the home side looked like running riot.

But confidence drained from Kinnear's side when Mamandy Sidibe made it 2-1.And there was a horrible inevitability about Abdoulaye Faye's 90th minute leveller.

Failing to beat a lacklustre Stoke City suggests Newcastle are a side who will continue to struggle all season. Without Michael Owen, relegation is a genuine possibility.