Newcastle Benfield extend unbeaten run against Penrith
Newcastle Benfield 2-0 Penrith
Another impressive footballing display from Benfield extended their unbeaten streak to six, putting themselves top of the Northern League Division One’s form guide!
Both goals came in the first half. Glen Hargrave headed home in the 30th minute and Andre Bennet doubled The Lions lead with a penalty in the 42nd minute.
Benfield came into the midweek fixture on fine form, off the back of a dominant 5-1 demolition of Tow Law Town last Saturday. Penrith were also full of confidence beating Marske United 2-0 last time out and they had won their last three away outings.
The first half kicked off and immediately Benfield’s confidence was evident. A bright start carved a few early openings for the hosts, but they were initially kept at bay.
The Penrith keeper was in the thick of it from early on denying striker Hargrave from point blank range early on. Noah Millington also found his curling effort denied by an acrobatic save from the Penrith shot stopper.
Half an hour in, Lewis Orrell, who was excellent in midfield, forced a save from the Penrith stopper and the in-form Hargrave reacted first and headed the ball into an almost empty goal, his fourth in two games.
Three minutes before half time Millington had a golden chance from a well-worked Benfield move, Millington was then brought down for a stone wall penalty which Bennet converted in cool fashion.
The Lion’s defence was tested in the second half, but valiant defending including a block off the line from skipper Bradley Varga and excellent keeping from Thomas Shanley ensured a Benfield clean sheet and another three points.
The result sees Benfield six points outside the play-off places in 11th.
Next up for Newcastle Benfield is a home clash against Easington Colliery this Saturday.
