Having provided the opposition for the farewell game at their old ground back in May, a Magpies XI returned to Consett on Friday evening as the Steelmen christened their new Belle View home.

Turnstile congestion meant that the friendly match kicked off some 25 minutes later than advertised, by which time the temperature had dropped to zero - although the local youngsters who participated in on-pitch gymnastics exhibitions seemed oblivious to that....

Consett's new £3m facility boasts a 3G synthetic surface which looked to have been partially sanded and the opening stages saw both sides finding their feet.

Leading the line for Newcastle was Adam Campbell and the striker was denied early on from close range by home goalkeeper Jack Norton, before shooting wide after a probing run from rookie Adam Laidler on 12 minutes.

Having pulled on his boots for friendlies at both Cambridge United and Ashington earlier this year, Toon coach Peter Beardsley was in the United starting lineup and an inspired first-time forward pass from him in the 23rd minute set Campbell away on goal. 

The crossbar denied him on that occasion but Campbell made amends on the half hour when netting with a low effort on the run from the edge of the area. 

Newcastle took the opportunity to give a trio of recent injury absentees some pitch time tonight, with Curtis Good, Brandon Miele and Kevin Mbabu all involved.

However Swiss-born Mbabu pulled up after a forward run just before the break and was substituted - the interval seeing a further raft of replacements that included Toon Academy coaches Dave Watson and Kevin Richardson. 

The crowd had noticeably thinned out by the second half, some spectators seeking refuge in the bar and others apparently present for the aforementioned gymnastics - although the snack bar continued to do great business right through until the final whistle.

Consett equalised after 56 minutes when substitute Luke Sullivan checked back and beat United 'keeper Brendan Pearson with a neat finish after a low centre from the right wasn't dealt with.