Newcastle and Aston Villa drew 1-1 in a rain-soaked encounter at St. James' Park between two sides fighting relegation from the Premier League on Saturday.

Newcastle went ahead when Villa failed to clear a corner and captain Fabricio Coloccini drilled home from the far post. Villa's United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan got a hand to the ball, but couldn't prevent it going in.

Jordan Ayew equalized in the 61st minute, cutting onto his right foot before sending a thunderous strike into the top corner.

Substitute Rudy Gestede nearly won the game late on for Villa, but his header was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Rob Elliot.

The draw keeps Villa last in the standings, 10 points behind the safety of 17th place, occupied by Newcastle.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)