Newcastle Benfield edge past Crook Town in tight affair

Newcastle Benfield 1-0 Crook Town

Newcastle Benfield took all three points from a strong Crook Town side in manager Andrew Ferguson’s first game in the dugout.

The only goal of the game came in the 84th minute from Joe Ames who reacted first after a mistake at the back gave Benfield the lead.

Ferguson was hoping to get back to winning ways after his side fell short against Guisborough Town last time out.

The first half of Saturday’s contest was an even affair. Plenty of chances fell for either side to break the deadlock but nobody was able to take advantage. A free header from Jack Watson in the opening five minutes found the keeper’s arms.

Valiant defending from Benfield’s back line then kept Crook at bay. Lewis Orrell was forced to put his body on the line early on to keep the score level before big tackles from skipper Brad Varga prevented Crook Town from bagging an opener in the first half.

The Lions grew into the game more after the half time break.

Winger Noah Millington gave the Crook back line all sorts of problems, beating his man on multiple occasions. On the hour mark, Millington cut inside onto his right foot and went for goal, however his effort went narrowly wide.

Benfield finally found a breakthrough after spending the second half on top. A long ball from Millington on the counter attack was hounded down by striker Ames. His pressure was rewarded when the Crook goalkeeper came out and misjudged the flight of the ball, consequently missing his kick, resulting in Ames slotting the ball into an empty net.

The lucky break was enough to give Benfield all three points and they will be looking to make it two wins from two this weekend against West Allotment Celtic.