Newcastle United second string coach Ben Dawson has challenged his team to use the Techflow Senior Cup to stand out, with the bulk of the squad coming to the end of their contracts.

"Every day we are saying to the players it's a chance to impress," said Dawson.

"We get phone calls from clubs all the time asking about the U23 players and they know they can't slack off.”

Arguably the most reputable club in the competition, Newcastle United U23's demolished Blyth AFC 7-2 in the quarter final before making easy work of Northern League side Newcastle Benfield at Whitley Park back in February.

And on home soil, the Magpies will be looking to add to their 14 Senior Cups - the most recent coming in 2014 when they thumped Blyth Spartans 4-0.

"We get some good opportunities to play at St James' Park," added Dawson.

"It's a special place and the players always rise to the occasion when they play here.”

Having played in the Northern League himself, Dawson will be expecting a physical test for his young side who will cap off the 2017/18 campaign at St James' Park following their 10th place finish in the Premier League 2.

"We will have a look at what they do and we will try and find a way to approach the game and come out on top," explained Dawson.

"There's a lot of emphasis now that we don't finish the season empty handed and the lads walk away with something to show for their efforts.

"For a lot of them it's their final game for the club so it will be a very special occasion."

The Techflow Senior Cup final between Newcastle United U23 and Morpeth Town kicks off 7:30pm today with general admission priced at £7 for adults and £3 concessions.

Article by Dan Simmonite