An own goal plus efforts from Alex Nicholson, Patrick Nzuzi, Phil Airey and Dan Taylor were enough to secure a trouble-free passage on Tuesday for United reserves to this season's Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

In front of a sparse crowd on a chilly night at Whitley Park, the Magpies took a 10th minute lead when Paul Dummett celebrated his return from injury by shooting on goal and seeing his effort hit the net via a deflection.

United looked in the mood for goals and Phil Airey pinged one shot off the Terriers crossbar, before Yven Moyo was denied by a vital clearance from a visiting defender after dashing into the area and rounding the 'keeper.

A second goal arrived in fine style on 36 minutes, when Patrick Nzuzi advanced over halfway and bore down on goal before rifling home a fine finish from distance.

That sparked a belated revival from the Northern League side and they reduced the areas seconds before the break, when Anthony Shandran blasted past Jak Alnwick from the corner of the box.

Just four minutes after half time however, Newcastle put daylight between themselves and Bedlington once again, after a suicidal defensive header across the box was volleyed home by Alex Nicholson - who had been an early replacement when Remi Streete limped out of the action.

Having been frustrated on numerous occasions in front of goal striker Phil Airey then finally got his name on the scoresheet on 74 minutes after converting Dummett's low left wing centre from close range.

And with the Terriers continuing to press forward, a rapid breakaway by United ended with substitute Dan Taylor scoring with a perfectly-placed shot against a side that he'd netted a brace while on loan at Ashington recently.

Willie Donachie's side will now face the winners of the Team Northumbria versus Newcastle Benfield semi-final tie, scheduled to be played in early April.

Biffa

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