Third time lucky for Newcastle as Alexander Isak secures a point from the spot

Alexander Isak’s late penalty salvaged Newcastle a 1-1 Premier League draw at Brighton after his side had two second-half spot-kick awards overturned following VAR intervention.

The Magpies striker converted his 27th goal of the season two minutes from time when Seagulls substitute Yasin Ayari was punished for handling a Fabian Schar free-kick.

Referee Craig Pawson had earlier reversed his initial decision after replays showed Anthony Gordon was fouled just outside the box by Tariq Lamptey before doing so again following a dive by Joe Willock.

In their quest to qualify for the Champions League, Newcastle fell behind in the first half when Albion winger Yankuba Minteh opened the scoring against his former club.

A dramatic draw at the Amex Stadium leaves Eddie Howe’s side fourth – three points clear of sixth spot.

Brighton, who also harbour European ambitions, remain 10th.

Seagulls winger Minteh was recalled as part of two changes from last weekend’s last-gasp 3-2 victory over West Ham, while Newcastle stuck with the team which started a 3-0 success against relegated Ipswich.

Magpies manager Howe urged his players not to allow their season to “tail off” as they target a second major prize following Carabao Cup glory.

Harvey Barnes and Willock each fired off target for the visitors during a largely forgettable start to the contest before Brighton snatched a 28th-minute lead.

After Simon Adingra’s cross from the left was partially cleared by the head of Tino Livramento, Mats Wieffer quickly recycled the ball, allowing Minteh to cut in from the right and fire into the far corner via a slight deflection off former Seagulls defender Dan Burn.

The Gambia international, who left the Magpies last summer in a reported £30million