Middlesbrough's Julio Arca stole the spotlight from Mark Viduka as he denied the Newcastle striker a winning return in Sunday's 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
Viduka looked to have won it for Newcastle with a late goal on his first visit to Middlesbrough since his close-season move to their local rivals.
But Arca ensured the Australian had to settle for a point with an equaliser 10 minutes from full-time.
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce was left to rue his side's total inability to protect the lead in a dramatic north-east derby.
Charles N'Zogbia's stunning goal had put Newcastle in front in the first half, only for Mido to level six minutes later.
Mido's impressive form was the main positive for Gareth Southgate. The Egyptian striker scored for the second time in successive games since his six million pounds move from Tottenham and looks a good replacement for Aiyegbeni Yakubu, who is set to join Everton this week.
Southgate gambled on Jonathan Woodgate's fitness as he handed the England defender a first appearance of the season at the end of his first week's training following knee surgery.
Viduka was predictably booed by the home fans, but it was his astute pass created a chance in the opening minutes that Obafemi Martins dragged wide.
Allardyce's side deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute.
N'Zogbia cut into towards the penalty area from the left and Boateng didn't sense the danger. He allowed the French winger to advance before curling a superb shot past Mark Schwarzer from the edge of the area.
But Newcastle's advantage was short-lived. Six minutes later Fabio Rochemback lifted a pass over the visitors' defence to Mido, who controlled on his chest before rounding Steve Harper and slotting home.
The Egyptian was determined to make a point to Newcastle's fans behind the goal and celebrated by repeatedly gesturing for them to be quiet, a provocation that earned him a booking from Dean.
Mido's physical presence caused Newcastle plenty of problems and his header set up Rochemback for a shot that Harper blocked well.
Allardyce sent on Michael Owen for Martins late in the second half and the goal he wanted arrived in the 77th minute. Inevitably it was Viduka who broke Middlesbrough's resistance.
Geremi's chip found Viduka and he produced the perfect example of centre forward play. After controlling the ball on his thigh, he showed tremendous strength to hold off Woodgate, then took another touch to set up a low strike that flashed past Schwarzer.
That seemed to be game over, but Newcastle failed to heed the lessons of the first half. Once again they squandered the lead within three minutes of going in front.
Arca chested down a clearing header from David Rozehnal on the edge of the area and lashed a left-foot shot into the bottom corner to rescue a point for his side.
There was still time for Middlesbrough to rack up a sixth booking when Rochemback was shown a yellow card that triggers an automatic fine for the club's poor discipline.
