TWO goals from Thomas Wilkie saw Haltwhistle Jubilee cruise into the last 16 of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup.

The Jubes ran out convincing winners away to Wallsend Boys Club, where they disposed of the hosts 3-1 on their artificial surface.

Given Haltwhistle’s electric start to the season, it’s easy to forget the Northern Alliance Division Two side went into the game as underdogs, with Wallsend a league above them in Division One.

It was the North Tynesiders who drew first blood. They took the lead on 40 minutes after Haltwhistle failed to cope with a quickly taken free kick.

It looked as though they would be 1-0 down at half time, but a touch of class from the in-form Wilkie found an equaliser with the last kick of the opening period.

His fine delivery into the box eluded both attack and defence, and found its way into the net untouched.

The Jubes struggled to get into their stride after the break, but a change of formation gave them fresh impetus.

Wilkie, pushing forward from the wing back position, scored a decisive second goal on 75 minutes, to give Haltwhistle the lead.

The visitors saved their best goal for last. They made it 3-1 in the closing stages after a superb team move. A good run from Jack Barker led to Kieran Robley squaring the ball for skipper Mark Robson, advancing forward from midfield, to fire home.

Defender Paul Wilson was named man of the match after a commanding performance at the back, during which he won a lot of crucial headers. There will be no game for Haltwhistle next week, with the players set to celebrate the wedding of striker Greg Irwin.

They will return to league action the following Saturday, when they will travel to the Northumberland coast to take on ninth placed Ellington.

The blue and whites will travel full of confidence after excelling on several fronts so far this season. They are currently top of Division Two with 27 points from their opening 10 games. Second placed AFC Newbiggin are just three points behind, however, they have played one game more than the Jubes, who have scored 36 league goals, conceding just seven.