Extra-time was looming before Rolando Aarons scored the only goal with a clinical finish in off the far post. From then on the Reserves comfortably played out time.
Most of the play was confined to midfield and neither side created much in the final third.
Whitley made a purposeful start but they made less of an impact during the second period and towards the end gradually tired as Newcastle’s fitness gave them a lift.
The Magpies will meet either Ashington or Blyth, who play tomorrow at Woodhorn Lane, in the final.
The competition has been going since 1884, 12 years before Newcastle United Football Club was formed.
The winners this centuary:-
2000
Newcastle United Reserves
2001
Newcastle United Reserves
2002
Bedlington Terriers
2003
Newcastle United Reserves
2004
Bedlington Terriers
2005
Whitley Bay
2006
Newcastle United Reserves
2007
Morpeth Town
2008
Newcastle United Reserves
2009
Newcastle United Reserves
2010
Whitley Bay
2011
Newcastle United Reserves
2012
Newcastle United Reserves
2013
Ashington