It is becoming a habit -- and one which will cost Hammers their Premiership status.

Yet again they had the better of a home match, yet again they failed to turn dominance into goals.

Not surprisingly, they left with one point instead of three.

It was another late goal -- 81 minutes had been played when a long throw into the box caused confusion and the ball was hacked clear for Jermaine Jenas to lash home a dazzling 25-yarder which gave David James no chance.

While West Ham will rightfully look at the positives in another battling display, it is impossible not to fear for a side which seemingly cannot kill off opponents.

Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe, the first half scorers, both looked lively against a shaky Newcastle defence, but failed to extend the 2-1 advantage Defoe had carved out on the stroke of half-time.

Even that lead looked unlikely after Newcastle took a ninth-minute lead, though.

Shola Ameobi, not a player known for his pace, roasted Christian Dailly -- who was also at fault for the late equaliser -- and a Jenas flick-on presented Craig Bellamy with the chance to turn and shoot home.

Luckily the response was swift, as Cole pounced on a wayward header from Steven Caldwell and tucked home a close-range finish.

And then on 45 minutes Hammers took a deserved lead when Steve Lomas powered down the right and crossed for Defoe to twist and turn his way brilliantly past the hapless Caldwell and slot home from six yards.

But Jenas' late strike means Hammers are still looking for that elusive first win at home in the league.

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

Brought to you by the Evening Echo