Just before kick-off at Upton Park the man on the public address system announced: "This is the start of the great escape" and then played the theme tune to the classic film.

That air of optimism was brought about by the arrival on Thursday of Lee Bowyer and for 80 minutes it looked as if the march towards safety had indeed begun as the Bowyer-inspired Hammers led 2-1.

But as West Ham sat deep and tried to hold on to their lead, Jermaine Jenas pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and hit a stunning rising shot which flew into the top corner, leaving the Hammers wondering what they have to do to win at home.

There is no doubt the arrival of 26-year-old Poplar-born Bowyer has lifted spirits at the club and a point at least nudged Glenn Roeder's team off the bottom of the table above West Brom. But it remains to be seen whether the announcer's prediction of a miracle escape comes true.

Craig Bellamy threatened to spoil Bowyer's "homecoming" to the club he supported as a boy, when the Welsh international gave Newcastle the lead on nine minutes.

But Joe Cole scored a determined equaliser just four minutes later and Jermain Defoe grabbed a brilliant goal a minute before the half-time break.

Even though he was not 100% fit, having missed the last month with an ankle injury, it was no surprise that a player of Bowyer's quality gave everyone in a claret and blue shirt and added a spring to their step.

But Newcastle had not read the script and the opening goal came as the Magpies put together a flowing move down the right which exposed West Ham's defensive frailties.

Shola Ameobi - deputising for suspended Alan Shearer and making his 50th league appearance for the Magpies - did the good work on the flank and his low cross was helped on by Dyer to Bellamy, and the Welsh international turned sweetly before placing his shot past a wrong-footed David James.

The goal dampened the spirits of the home fans and a hush descended inside Upton Park, but the roof was soon raised as Joe Cole fired West Ham level after 13 minutes.

A throw-in from the right was headed on inside his own box by Gary aldwell and Cole did well to hold off the challenge of Andy Griffin before picking his spot with a shot which beat Given inside his right hand post.

Cole has gone from strength to strength since being handed the captain's armband at Middlesbrough last month and he was again leading by example.

Upton Park again erupted in celebration as Defoe scored a goal a minute before the break which had "class" stamped all over it.

Lomas - making his 300th club career start - did well down the right to get in a low cross which Defoe held up with his back to goal. The England Under-21 striker turned one way, then another, and drilled an angled shot past Given and inside the far post for his fourth Premiership goal of the campaign.

As the game moved into injury time the Hammers were relieved to have James come to the rescue with a spectacular point-blank save. The ball fell perfectly for Clarence Acuna inside the six-yard box and his shot was true, but James - who has come in for criticism in recent weeks - stuck out a hand to somehow keep the ball out.

Having found themselves in the unusual position of leading at home, it was a real test for West Ham to hold out for the second half.

The second half became a more scrappy affair and it all went wrong for West Ham with 10 minutes remaining as play stopped and they made a double substitution as Edouard Cisse and Trevor Sinclair were replaced by Don Hutchison and Ian Pearce.

Hardly had the duo stepped on the field than Newcastle equalised with a spectacular goal. The ball fell invitingly for Jenas on the edge of the box and he hit a rising drive which flew into the top corner.

When the final whistle sounded the home fans were once again left with that empty feeling, knowing they had gone so close to a first home win in the league.

West Ham are at least off the bottom of the table and manager Glenn Roeder hopes to sign a striker next week to help their fight against relegation. But whether or not the announcer's prediction of a great escape does materialise remains to be seen.

Teams

West Ham: James, Lomas, Breen, Dailly, Winterburn (Minto 56), Bowyer, Cisse (Hutchison 80), Carrick, Cole, Defoe, Sinclair (Pearce 81).

Subs Not Used: Van Der Gouw, Moncur.

Goals: Cole 14, Defoe 45.

Newcastle: Given, Griffin, Caldwell, Hughes, Bernard, Acuna (LuaLua 65), Dyer, Jenas, Robert, Bellamy, Ameobi (Cort 86).

Subs Not Used: Harper, Solano, Dabizas.

Booked: Griffin.

Goals: Bellamy 9, Jenas 81.

Att: 35,048

Ref: J Winter (Cleveland).