Both teams served up an entertaining game at a wet and dismal Whitley Park before a meagre crowd on Tuesday, as United progressed into the last four of the Northumberland Senior Cup.

With injuries and first team/Youth Cup commitments restricting the players available to coach Peter Beardsley, he was forced to field a 4-3-3 formation with usual left back Paul Dummett partnering Jeff Henderson in central defence and midfielder Paddy McLaughlin at left back. 

The Northern League visitors started off in determined fashion and Ole Soderberg made two sharp saves in the first five minutes. The Reserves' defence also had to be on their toes to block early Terriers' shots, but gradually Newcastle came into the game and created chances of their own. 

Terriers goalkeeper, Kevin Morton, denied Joan Edmundsson and Greg McDermott in quick succession midway through the first half as United began to take the upper hand. Bedlington continued to look dangerous though with Stewart's pace down their right wing causing the home defence problems and only a full length save by Soderberg keeping him out.

Making a successful return from the ankle injury that has sidelined him since November, Ryan Taylor enjoyed a good 90 minute work out, while Sammy Ameobi and Brad Inman linked up well. Full back Conor Newton also caught the eye meanwhile with some exciting forays down the right wing and there were reserve debuts for Academy prospects Andy Mogwo and Dennis Knight. 

The visitors included a pair of former Magpie reserves with Senior Cup experience in a black and white shirt, in the shape of Chris Carr and the much-travelled Stuart Elliott.

A half-time scoreline of 0-0 was a fair reflection of the play but things deteriorated in the second half as United gained the upper hand and eventually made the decisive breakthrough as fitness began to tell on a deteriorating surface.

Good work by Newton down the right wing saw him beat a defender and cut in near the goal line before playing in Edmundsson well inside the penalty area. He beat two men as he worked his way close in before rifling the ball past Morton.

The Faroe Islander then became goal creator as he broke 40 yards upfield from his own half before playing an astute pass to substitute Dennis Knight who was up in support, despite playing a more defensive role than unusual. Knight took a touch before shooting past Morton from 10 yards, the ball going in off the left hand post.

Edmundsson almost made it three a couple of minutes from time but his hard shot struck Richard Hodgson on the line and was cleared. By this time, Newcastle were in control and emerged as comfortable winners although the Northern league side had undoubtedly given them a game.

Newcastle now await the draw for the semi-final of the competition, with the possibility of a tie against either Blyth Spartans, Ashington or Newcastle Benfield.

Thanks to AC

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