THREE quick fire goals saw Ponteland United got their Premier Division off to a winning start.

They had to come from behind to grab all three points against Newbiggin on the opening day, but the three strikes within a five minute period earned them the 3-1 victory.

The Clayton Charity Cup champions had worked hard all pre-season in anticipation of the new season starting, but they were reeling just two minutes in when they fell behind.

Dan Mullen was brought back into the squad after goalkeeper Craig Whinham made a late move to West Allotment Celtic, and his first action was to pick the ball out of his own net.

From a free kick, a looping header from Kieran Egan had him beat as Newbiggin drew first blood.

Ponteland should have been level on 15 minutes when Lee Gustard put it on a plate for Andrew Carr, but somehow the ball bounced back off the striker into the arms of the goalkeeper with an open goal at his mercy.

There was a blow for United when Gustard was forced off with an injury, replaced by Gary Cook.

United controlled the second half, though, and were level just before the hour as the only way to stop Zack Bewley was to trip him after he took on three defenders. The midfielder took the penalty himself and levelled from 12 yards.

Three minutes later, Bewley hit a shot on goal with Reece Havelock-Brown reacting to send home after the keeper fumbled.

And Havelock-Brown made it three just two minutes later, his left foot shot securing the points as it flew into the far corner.

Ten-man United were indebted to Bewley for rescuing a point in midweek as his goal two minutes from time earned them a 2-2 draw with a determined Grainger Park.

Cook had earlier equalised but United had used all three substitutes by the time Brandon Fearns-Kennedy left the field injured with 20 minutes remaining.

Park looked to have secured all three points until Bewley popped up with the equaliser late on.