Newcastle remain so troubled a family, it is a surprise that Julie Myerson doesn’t plan to feature them in her next novel. Maybe she should collaborate with Mike Ashley, whose demeanour briefly brightened after Steven Taylor’s first-half equaliser, but he mostly sat wearing an expression of stoicism which has become so familiar. If the club’s owner, who surveys his investment decreasing in value by the week, anticipated that United’s favourite son could transform Newcastle’s fortunes here, he was to be disabused of that impression by the interval.

Michael Owen started his first game for six weeks after recovering from with ankle ligament injury — during which period his team had failed to register a league victory — and got just one opportunity in the 72 minutes before being substituted when he contrived to back-head Geremi’s free kick over the bar in the first half. He danced a little jig of frustration. It was that kind of afternoon for Owen, and for just about everyone else; one on which all the pre-match hyperbole and big-fight-like declarations of “bring it on!” deteriorated into an instantly forgettable experience. As Hull manager Phil Brown reflected: “It’s not about quality football at this stage of the season.”

He could not have been more apposite about this offering from both teams. Generally associated with the finer things in football — until arriving at St James’ Park — Owen is having to contemplate once again that alien concept for him, of relegation, albeit that, should that come to pass, he will almost certainly be away on a free transfer after four years of fluctuating fortunes. After “St Michael’s” largely anonymous display here yesterday, the more cynical would suggest that Newcastle would be better off just dependent with Saint Christopher on the remainder of their Premier League journey this season. Their daunting run-in starts with Arsenal and Chelsea. However, it should be remembered that a year ago Owen scored seven in nine matches to ensure safety.

With that in mind, it would be folly to simply dismiss his potential to be a significant influence in the challenge ahead. The England striker is comfortably this season’s Newcastle leading scorer, despite his injury problems, and overall in his club career boasts 26 goals from 53 starts. In fairness, Owen was not entirely culpable here for United’s blunt edge up front. As caretaker manager Chris Hughton conceded when asked about a particularly indifferent first half by the visitors: “If you look at our two front players, they didn’t get the service they needed.” He added: “One thing you know about Michael is that he’s always capable of scoring. He’ll be better for the hour he’s had today.”

It was, frankly, an occasion on which both managers clutched at every minor piece of evidence to convince themselves that their world was a better place than it had been yesterday morning. Both had moved up in the league, though Newcastle only elude the relegation places by dint of their goal difference. As for Hull, it is early December since the home followers last witnessed a league victory. At that stage they stood in sixth place. Since then the Tigers have won only seven points, and three of those came at Fulham last week.

They began as though there had hardly been an interval. Geremi was dispossessed in the home half, and the ball was swiftly moved to Craig Fagan on the left flank. His precise cross was headed home at the far post by Geovanni. In the last home match the Brazilian’s petulance at his substitution had earned his manager’s displeasure. This time he was back at his talismanic best.

Obafemi Martins might have equalised soon after. The Nigerian striker had claimed beforehand that had no idea where Hull was. He would need a satnav, he observed mischievously. Once here, he also had trouble finding the goal, blazing over after Jonas Gutierrez had made an opening.

Steven Taylor, who a week ago had engaged in that unseemly contretemps with Cristiano Ronaldo, was soon at it again, clattering into the back of Fagan, who reacted with finger-pointing irritation and gained a caution for the indiscretion.

After Geovanni had fired a free kick narowly wide and at the other end Owen had spurned his chance, it was Taylor who came to Newcastle’s aid. Nicky Butt curled in a tantalising cross from the right and Taylor diverted the ball deftly over goalkeeper Matt Duke. After the break, Manucho, the Angolan on loan from Manchester United, contrived to shoot straight at Steve Harper. Newcastle threatened, with Gutierrez and Martins failing with chances. Then it all rather petered out.

“It will go to the wire,” said Brown. “With nine or 10 teams involved. It may take more than 40 points” It will be fascinating viewing for the uncommitted. For those who care, it promises more misery ahead.

Star man: Steven Taylor (Newcastle).

Yellow cards: Hull: Zayatte, Fagan. Newcastle: Coloccini, Smith, Geremi.

Referee: H Webb.

Attendance: 24,914.