Newcastle Benfield accomplish a ‘massive’ win over West Auckland Town
Newcastle Benfield 2-1 West Auckland Town
Benfield collected all three points from a resilient West side. Manager Andrew Ferguson described the performance as a ‘massive’ response to Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Seaham Red Star.
A near-post Jack Watson strike opened the scoring just after the hour mark, before Joseph Thompson doubled the Lions advantage in the 85th minute. West Auckland halved the deficit through Jermaine Metz in stoppage time, however, it proved too little too late.
There wasn’t much to shout about regarding the first half, not many chances at all for either side. Numerous long balls attempted but not many paid off. Benfield saw plenty of the ball but struggled to break down the resolute West defence.
However, during the second 45, Benfield got their mojo back. Good football displayed from the hosts, as well as a solid high press saw Benfield win the ball off West Auckland in the attacking third. Full-back Watson picked up the ball on the right-hand side and drove into the box, a venomous strike proved too much for the keeper to stop.
Benfield doubled their advantage just twenty minutes later, an in-swinging corner from Andre Bennett caused a scramble in West’s six-yard box, Thompson reacted first, getting to the loose ball before anyone else allowing him to tap home for two.
Gary Forrest’s West Auckland went down on their shield. A fantastic individual effort from Metz made it 2-1. He dropped his shoulder shifted the ball onto his right and drove low to find the back of the net in stoppage time,
The full-time whistle followed seeing Benfield pick up a crucial three points. Next up is Marske United on Saturday at the MKM Stadium.
