Home form is key - Newcastle United's Alan Smith

Smith has made 52 league appearances for Newcastle

Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith has called on his team-mates to take their unbeaten home run throughout the whole season.

Monday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion extended their lead at the top of the Championship and they are now 13 games unbeaten at St James' Park.

"We must maintain the standard, and to conceded two goals was disappointing," captain Smith told BBC Newcastle

"We want to make sure we're unbeaten here all season."

Smith was quick to pay tribute to striker Peter Lovenkrands after his goal earned Newcastle a point in the top-of-table encounter with Roberto Di Matteo's Baggies.

The Denmark international flew back to his native country following the passing of his father at the weekend, but returned to play a key role and Smith hailed the striker's mental strength.

"I said it before, on behalf of all the the lads we send our condolences to his family," Smith said.

"We know how difficult the last few weeks and months have been and we tried so hard to get him back to this club at the start of the season.

"It was probably written for him to score tonight and he's been a credit to himself how he applied himself which was a difficult game and to come in with the mind-set he did.

"We'll give him time, we'll get an arm around him because we're a tight squad and it's a difficult time for him over the next few weeks, it was a special goal for him."