SHILBOTTLE won the battle of the North Northumberland League sides to reach the final of the NFA Minor Cup for the first time in 43 years and for only the second time in their history.

On a windswept pitch, Shilbottle came out on top in a tense affair that went to extra-time.

The Colliers kicked off with the wind in their favour and had the bulk of the early play without creating any real chances.

Scott McMullen had a good header saved after 20 minutes and shortly after blasted a good chance wide.

Shilbottle almost took the lead five minutes before the interval when a cracking drive from Tony Brown was tipped over the bar by the Bedlington keeper.

The Colliers eventually broke the deadlock just before the break when Stephen Hutchins smashed a loose ball past the home keeper from 10 yards to give his side a slender lead at the interval.

The same player could have provided the Colliers with a cushion shortly after the restart, but shot wide when well-placed.

Bedlington hit back to equalise on the hour direct from a free-kick wide on the right when Jason Ritchie's wind-assisted effort flew into the top corner.

The Terriers were now on the front foot as Shilbottle defended bravely against a continuous stream of high balls into the box.

Bedlington missed a couple of good chances with headed efforts that cleared the bar and the Colliers nearly sneaked a late winner on the break when Ben Keenan headed just wide.

Normal time ended with the scores still level, and it was once again the Colliers turn to play with the wind in the first period of extra-time.

They quickly capitalised on this advantage as a swift break down the right by Robert Brown in the 95th minute saw his cross into the box slotted home by Stephen Hutchins from close range.

They were unable to add to this lead in the remainder of the first period and faced the prospect of a backs-to-the-wall fight to hang on for the final period.

With Mark Batson outstanding at the centre of the Shilbottle's defence it seemed as though they would accomplish the task, but the match was effectively settled five minutes from time when Colliers substitute Karl Chapman broke clear of the Terriers' defence to slot past the home keeper to score a third goal for Shilbottle and put his side into the final.

They will meet Killingworth YPC Town who beat Cullercoats 2-1 in the other semi-final.

Shilbottle: S Miller, M Saunders, A Gattens, M Batson, D Lowes, A Metcalfe, K Elliott, T Brown, J Black, S Hutchins, S McMullen, B Keenan, R Brown, K Chapman. Shilbottle's man-of-the-match: Scott McMullen.

Shilbottle's match sponsor: Elisabeth and Arthur Haddow, Shilbottle Post Office.