A HAT-TRICK from Reece Havelock-Brown ensured Ponteland United returned to winning ways in style.

The black and whites have endured a mixed start to their season in the Northern Alliance Premier Division, and went into last Saturday’s match at Alnwick on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Wallington.

But 22-year-old Havelock-Brown, who has been a key man for Ponteland in recent seasons, scored a memorable treble as the North Northumberland side were beaten 3-1.

The result took United to ninth place in the Premier Division, with 10 points from their opening seven games.

They will look to build on the win again on Saturday, when they host Whitburn & Cleadon in the Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup.

Ponteland United Reserves continued their charge at the top of the Northern Alliance Development Division, with a 3-2 win at home to Wideopen A.

Goals from Daniel Troughton, Ryan Niven and Peter Scott sealed the points. Man of the match was Jack Brown.

Ponteland Reserves are seven points clear at the top of the Development Division, after winning seven of their opening nine games.

They will travel to Newcastle University A in the George Dobbins League Cup on Saturday.