THREE second half goals saw Prudhoe Town get their Clayton Charity Cup campaign off to a winning start.

Following their 3-1 victory over competition new boys Blackhill Ebchester, of the Durham Alliance, they went on to win the penalty shoot-out arranged for the end of group games 4-2 to pick up all four points.

Prudhoe were in control for the large spell of the 80-minute Group B tie, but hard-working hosts Ebchester were always in the game until conceding a third in the final minute of the game.

In fact, Blackhill led for more than half the game after breaking the deadlock on 10 minutes. Prudhoe's marking from a deep free kick was less than exemplary, and home striker Stephen Agnew, not to be confused with the ex-Sunderland midfielder, headed home unmarked from little over a yard out.

Agnew and strike partner Richard Parkin always looked dangerous as they tried time and again to get behind the Prudhoe back line, Parkin launching a spectacular effort from range on target in the opening minute only for Liam Blair to get behind it to keep it out.

At the other end, Arron Fletcher shook the woodwork when he thundered an effort at goal, the shot cannoning back off the crossbar.

Prudhoe were dominating possession but rarely threatened as they were lacking in the final product, some questionable decision making seeing chance after chance pass by.

It was nearly punished again by Agnew as he picked up on a weak clearance, drilling a shot on goal which Blair did well to parry away.

Town were starting to look more dangerous going forward and Derek Waters volleyed over after a sliced Danny Castro clearance flew into his path, while Fletcher was denied by a superb last ditch tackle from Michael Hannant.

In the space of seven minutes, Luke Banks broke clear but was unable to make the most of his chances as he was kept out on all occasions by home goalkeeper Grant Scott.

Just before half time, Ebchester thought they had doubled their lead when Parkin cleverly lofted the ball over Blair but they were incensed to see the linesman's flag raised for offside.

Prudhoe were much improved after the break as they heaped the pressure on, pouring forward with a lot more intent.

They were spurred on by the direct running of 16-year-old Matty Bloomer who had his sight set on the goal, forcing Scott into two saves in quick succession.

The second attempt resulted in the corner which brought about the equaliser on 53 minutes, defender Glenn Caygill's finding its way over the line courtesy of a big deflection.

The decisive moment came with 10 minutes remaining, industrious midfielder Michael Calvert rewarded for a tidy show in the centre of the park with the goal which ultimately won his side the game.

While there were big shouts for a foul during the build-up, Calvert carried on and drilled a shot from the edge of box which forced Scott to punch away as it was too hot to handle. The ball found its way back to the midfielder who this time beat the goalkeeper with an equally venomous drive.

It was a hammer blow for Ebchester who were still harrying and rushing their opponents at every opportunity.

But Prudhoe wanted more and continued to attack, David Burns and Brad Rodgers combining well on the right wing before Burns' shot hit the side netting.

Yet Town did find a third in the final minute of the match, Ebchester caught asleep by Caygill who timed his run to the front post to sweep home Waters' low corner.

With three points in the bag, Prudhoe soon made it four with the shoot-out victory as Waters, Caygill, Banks and John Meadows all found the back of the net.