Reserves narrowly beaten in NFA Benevolent Bowl Final

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 3 WHITLEY BAY ‘A’ 2

Whitley’s reserves were beaten 3-2 by Northern Alliance Premier Division leaders and champions-elect Newcastle University in a closely contested NFA Benevolent Bowl Final at Whitley Park this evening (Friday).

Connor Campbell put Whitley ahead in the 25th minute with a close range finish after the University defence failed to deal with a right wing corner. Campbell nearly added a second shortly afterwards but his header from Michael Bell’s cross flew inches over the bar. The University fought back and equalised five minutes later with a volley across Harley into the far corner of the net. Whitley fell behind six minutes into the second half  and Harley pulled off two fine saves to keep his side in the game.They kept plugging away and drew level after 76 minutes when substitute Cam Cunningham poked the ball under the University keeper to set up an exciting finale. Stepping up the pressure in the closing stages, it was the University side who claimed a deserved winner with nine minutes remaining when a shot went in off the post, but Whitley can hold their heads high after a battling performance.

Photo: Connor Campbell celebrates with Michael Bell after opening the scoring.