Newcastle Benfield 1-1 West Auckland: Spooner’s volley clinches a point for West

Before the game there was nothing between Benfield and West Auckland in the league standings, on the pitch it was no different.

West had the best chance early on, Amar Purewal couldn’t manage a good connection with the ball and his effort went wide of Lion’s keeper Grainger’s post.

Shortly after this Benfield started to apply pressure on West’s defence and were rewarded with an early goal.

Joe Robson linked up with Cyril Giraud down the left forcing a corner for Benfield, Giraud took the corner which was latched onto by Mechack Kanda who headed past West’s Keeper Flynn.

Benfield weren’t satisfied and kept the pressure on Auckland pushing for a second, Brayson, Giraud and Novak all had efforts that went close.

The missed opportunities came back to haunt Benfield as Craig Spooner, a new signing for West struck a fine volley past Grainger.

West pressed for a second after levelling, But Benfield were level to Auckland’s efforts, the teams went in level at the break.

Auckland kept the pressure on Benfield in the early stages of the second half, Anthony Bell attempted an ambitious chip but Grainger was level.

Giraud had the chance to regain the lead for Benfield but Brayson was controversially penalised in the build up to the chance.

Brayson was booked and sin binned for arguing with the referee following Giraud’s chance.

As the game entered the final stages there wasn’t many more chances for either side.

The game ended with both sides picking up a point which on the whole seemed fair.