ELLAND ROAD WAS A HAVEN FOR the predictable yesterday. Lee Bowyer was showered with the sort of sour abuse normally reserved for referees, Alan Shearer scored his customary goals against favoured victims, Craig Bellamy was booked for dissent and Alan Smith fed off the anger that has shaped his career. Not all was as it should be, however, because contrary to all expectations, Leeds United were not quite hopeless.

In fact, Leeds were pretty good, snapping at the heels of a Newcastle United team whose usual attacking rhythms were largely constipated, playing as a unit, making light of the loss of Harry Kewell and another torrid summer of speculation and finally securing an honourable draw. There was even room for a cameo appearance from David Batty — his first in the league for 16 months — which should guarantee lasting cult status for Peter Reid.

Perfection remained elusive, with Shearer straining to stab a Newcastle equaliser in the 88th minute, but with the Leeds manager saying on the eve of the season that “it’s going to be difficult for us” and “I’m under no illusions”, such has been the paucity of good performances in friendly matches, this was a spirited, hopeful response. And, vitally for a club with negligible resources, each of Reid’s diverse, cost-nothing signings looked promising.

The arrival of Jermaine Pennant from Arsenal on a two-month loan will add to an attack that is still a huge strength, provided Reid has really buried the hatchet with Mark Viduka, rather than burying it in him. The Australia striker has been linked with Chelsea and Marseilles, but demonstrated his continued worth with a goal converted low and true, shortly after Shearer had ensured a 1-0 lead for Newcastle from the penalty spot.

After recent defeats to Hull City, Burnley and Shelbourne, it was a thoroughly good day for Reid, who admitted that he had harboured genuine concerns about his team’s state of mind. “Yeah, I was worried,” he said. “At least until Saturday, when there was a real spark in training and I saw hunger in the players’ eyes. ”

After their dalliance with relegation last spring — averted by a 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their penultimate match of the season — this represented a symbol of hope. “It gives us a boost,” Reid said. “Maybe I’ve been harsh on the lads — well, no, I haven’t, I’ve been telling the truth — but we’ve set ourselves standards now and we’ve got to do that week-in and week-out.”

The chances of Leeds doing that had not looked positive when Kieron Dyer was tripped by Lucas Radebe and Shearer, making the 600th appearance of his club career, did what he does best from the penalty spot.

Newcastle’s defending for both Leeds goals was poor. “Drastic,” Sir Bobby Robson called it. First, Gary Speed forfeited possession, Jody Morris — a busy presence on his debut — flighted the ball forward, Lamine Sakho touched it back to the edge of the 18-yard box, where Viduka lurked. Leeds went ahead 13 minutes after half-time when Smith — responding voraciously to suggestions of a transfer to either Aston Villa or Newcastle — collected a woeful header by Olivier Bernard and beat Shay Given.

As ever, Newcastle were indebted to Shearer, their redoubtable captain, who has now punished Leeds on 19 occasions. Robson praised a “sizzling, high-tempo match”, but his side were patchy. Bowyer, in particular, suffered from anonymity and was hounded predictably on his second return to West Yorkshire, unlike Jonathan Woodgate. To widespread glee, the midfield player — selected ahead of Nolberto Solano — was substituted well before the end. “We knew Lee would get that sort of treatment and it’s sad really,” Robson said of his only new arrival. “I hope it calms down, but we’ll support him.”

Reid had greater cause for contentment with Sakho, the Frenchman signed on a season’s loan from Marseilles, Morris and Zoumana Camara, a temporary arrival from Lens. He is not yet ready to break his self-imposed summer abstinence from alcohol, however — another shock. “No, because we haven’t won,” he said. “And I’m dying for a drink, too.” The surprising news, for him and Leeds supporters, is that the wait should not stretch indefinitely.

Leeds United (4-4-2): P Robinson 6 — G Kelly 6, Z Camara 6, L Radebe 7, D Matteo 7 — J Wilcox 4 (sub: D Batty, 74min), J Morris 6, S Johnson 5, L Sakho 7 (sub: D Domi, 60 6) — A Smith 8, M Viduka 7. Substitutes not used: N Martyn, D Batty, A Lennon, J Milner. Booked: Wilcox, Johnson, Morris, Domi. NEXT: Tottenham Hotspur (a)

Newcastle United (4-4-2): S Given 7 — A Hughes 6, J Woodgate 7, A O’Brien 5, O Bernard 5 (sub: J Jenas, 73) — L Bowyer 4 (sub: S Ameobi, 73), K Dyer 5, G Speed 6, L Robert 5 (sub: N Solano, 84) — A Shearer 8, C Bellamy 6. Substitutes not used: S Harper, A Griffin, N Solano, J Jenas, S Ameobi. Booked: Woodgate, Bellamy. NEXT: Manchester United (h)

Shots on target: (h) 2 (a) 7. Fouls: (h) 19 (a) 15. Offsides: (h) 3 (a) 5

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