Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was pleased after his side fought back to claim a point in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland at St James Park on Sunday. Benitezs side fell behind to Jermain Defoes first-half strike, but stole a point late on through Aleksandar Mitrovics header.We didnt play the level we could in the first half but we were much better in the second, Benitez told Sky Sports. It was a good reaction, with the position we are in the table to come back and get the point was a credit to the players. Rafael Benitezs Newcastle drew 1-1 with Sunderland We knew they are a strong team physically and we knew it would be free-kicks, corners and second balls. We tried to play and keep it on the floor and we did it much better second half.The result leaves Newcastle in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety, but Benitez is still confident of survival with eight games to go - especially if they can keep the fans behind them.The positive thing for me is we are still there with eight games to play, said Benitez. So I told the players after the game that was the main thing.We have to work this week and next week to prepare for Norwich. Hopefully we can change little things and keep doing the good things were doing. Georginio Wijnaldum gives his reaction to the 1-1 draw against rivals Sunderland The main thing for me is we could see the fans supporting the team, and hopefully it will be the same in every game.While Georginio Wijnaldum, who created Mitrovics equaliser, was disappointed to just get the point.Im not happy because we wanted to win, he told Sky Sports. But its football, we played our best and we have to go on.Its really important because now we must collect more points, but Im disappointed because we had great opportunities to win. Also See: Mitrovic salvages late point Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland recap A.J. Green Jersey . LOUIS -- Mike Smith is used to facing plenty of shots, so this was nothing new. Michael Jordan Womens Jersey . -- Ohio States Urban Meyer has never had any issue acclimating to the biggest stages in college football. http://www.bengalsrookiestore.com/Bengals-Renell-Wren-Jersey/ . PAUL, Minn. Boomer Esiason Youth Jersey . - Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers of the Rimouski Oceanic has broken a shutout record that was only three months old in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Joe Mixon Bengals Jersey . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area. Which rook will have the best season? Our NBA writers make their predictions.Predictions:?Most Valuable Player | Rookie of the YearCoach of the Year | Most Improved PlayerDefensive Player of the Year | Sixth ManEast champs | West champs | NBA champs ' ' '