Newcastle Benfield vs Whickham match preview
Newcastle Benfield returns to action for the first time in a fortnight this afternoon in the Ebac Northern League Division One where they host Whickham.
Last time out…
Benfield extended their unbeaten run to four as they got a solid point away from home against North Shields. In a game where nothing could split the two sides, Aidan Haley and Noah Millington got the goals to secure the point in a 2-2 draw.
Previous meeting…
The teams played each other at the start of October, with both sides closely positioned next to each other in the bottom half of the table. The Lions were in the process of finding a new manager, so two reserve players took charge.
The away side scored the only goal in the game through Jakub Zych, whose long-range effort flew into the bottom right corner to give Benfield a much-needed victory.
Where the sides sit…
The Lions have moved down to seventh, just two below the playoffs on 63 points after 37 games played. Whickham sit two places above the drop in 19th on 33 points after 38 games.
The Lang Jacks would have eased their relegation fears after an impressive 5-0 dismantling of playoff chasers Whitley Bay eleven days ago. This will give the away side confidence going into today’s match, so Andy Ferguson’s team shouldn’t be taking Whickham lightly.
Player to watch…
My player to watch for today’s game is Mason Hardy. The striker bagged a hat-trick against Whitley Bay and will want to get back on the scoresheet this afternoon. The former Carlisle youngster joined The Lang Jacks in the summer and has shown promise this season. He will face up against a resolute Benfield backline who will hope they can keep him quiet.
