Michael Owen scored his first Newcastle goal in more than 19 months and Joey Barton starred as Sam Allardyce's reign began with a 3-1 win at Hartlepool.
The England striker, who last found the net for The Magpies at West Ham on 17 December, 2005, converted James Troisi's 58th-minute cross.
That was after Shola Ameobi had cancelled out James Brown's opener.
Ameobi, who was brought off the bench at half-time along with Owen, scored his second goal 17 minutes from time.
Despite the match being only a friendly, Barton snapped into every tackle and the travelling Newcastle fans showed their appreciation by chanting his name.
Barton's contribution also left his new boss beaming, with Allardyce saying: "He was very good - but that's him just taking it easy, really.
"He can be anything he wants to be as a footballer. He can be the very best if he wants to be."
Allardyce was also delighted with his goal scorers and added: "It's been a long wait for Michael and Shola, who has been out with that hip injury for a long time as well.
"They are a handful for anybody in the Premier League if they are firing on all cylinders, certainly with their finishing qualities.
"That give us options for goals. That's what you need to win football."
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