EDDIE'S GOT AHEAD ACHE

Howe hurting as careless Toon throw another lead away

- BY LEE RYDER

EDDIE HOWE braved the away end at Crystal Palace - but looked haunted as his side blew the chance of victory.

From a position of some comfort earlier in the match, Newcastle caved in when substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta struck twice in the final 10 minutes.

That's a whopping 25 points thrown away from winning positions this season and Newcastle are worthy of their lowly spot of 14th in the Premier League.

Howe has just six games to pick up the pieces, but hopes of European football are fading fast and he looked on in shock as he applauded fans to a mixed reception.

The Toon managed to put together half a performance and then lost focus. Poor substitutions, stupid decisions, silly bookings and slack defending - this one had it all.