Newcastle University edged past Whitley Bay's second string side with a 3-2 win at Whitley Park on Friday (4 May) to get their hands on the Scott's Les Todd Benevolent Bowl for 2018.

Connor Campbell opened the scoring for The Seahorses 24 minutes in before Neil Baistow's side equalised almost immediately through Robbie Hesketh.

The crowd were treated to a further three goals in the second half, starting with Conrad Zyklo on 51 minutes followed by an equaliser by County team player Cam Cunningham just 15 minutes before the final whistle.

But it was who other than Olly Walden to grab the winner for his side, heading into the bottom corner late on in the final.

"The boys were class to be fair. They put everything in," said the game winner.

"We are all pushing on, after this the aim is promotion."

Walden is the club’s top marksman, and the Accounting Masters student has plans to continue his scoring spree until the end of the season.

"I was aiming for 30 goals this season and I hit that a few weeks ago so I'm just planning to carry on scoring," added Walden.

Next on the agenda for the University side is the final four games of the Northern Alliance season where they will battle to retain a first place finish.

Article by Dan Simmonite