Newcastle Benfield build on their momentum amid unique circumstances against Carlisle City
Carlisle City 1-3 Newcastle Benfield
Newcastle Benfield made it three wins from three with an emphatic display against Carlisle City, repeating the score of the reverse fixture back in July.
Carlisle City broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Sam Smith. The Lions responded via an Andre Bennett free kick just before half time. James Wilson and Kevin Carr secured all three points with goals in the 71st and 94thminute of the tie.
The Sky Blues came into the fixture on the back of a fantastic FA Vase victory against Blyth Town, one of the promotion favourites in the league. Seeing them through to the third round proper. Benfield made the journey down the A69 looking to build on their momentum with a win over West Allotment Celtic last time around.
After a cagey opening 20 where both sides struggled to properly put their stamp on the game Carlisle City found the opener. Benfield failed to deal with a well-delivered Carlisle City set piece and Smith was first to react to the knockdown, poking home into a more-or-less empty net.
On the stroke of half time came quite possibly the most unique five minutes ever in Northern League Football.
Hargrave was brought down on the edge of the box resulting in goal-scorer Smith seeing red. Smith had left the pitch for an early shower before the referee decided to rescind the dismissal and call him back onto the pitch. Benfield skipper Bennett wasn’t fazed and he hit a brilliant strike into the top right corner, equalising for before the break.
The Lions came out second half with a point to prove, new signing Wilson gave Benfield the lead with his first touch of the game, making it two in two for the new forward.
Benfield didn’t dwell on their lead, killing the game off before full time. Jakob Zych made good use of a long ball and drove to the byline, delivering well with Carr finding the finish to put the game to bed.
Up next for Andrew Ferguson’s men is a home clash against Birtley Town this Friday night.
