Owen ends long wait for Newcastle goal

England striker Michael Owen scored his first Newcastle United goal for more than 18 months as Sam Allardyce enjoyed a winning start to his new reign as manager of the English Premiership side on Tuesday.

Owen was on target in the 58th minute of the 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Hartlepool United for his first club goal since hitting a hat-trick against West Ham United in December 2005. Shola Ameobi scored Newcastle's other goals.

Owen, 27, has been dogged by injury since his move from Real Madrid two years ago. He has played just 14 league and cup games and scored seven goals for the Magpies since arriving on Tyneside, and the knee injury he suffered while on international duty at Germany 2006 meant he played in just the last three games of the 2006/07 league campaign. (AFP)