‘A little disappointed the run’s come to an end’ – Benfield Assistant Manager reflects on Shildon defeat

Newcastle Benfield assistant manager Ray Fuller was disappointed his side’s unbeaten home run came to an end, after losing out 1-0 to table toppers Shildon.

Benfield went into the game following two consecutive home league wins, while Shildon headed into Saturday’s contest on the back of a 20-game unbeaten streak.

On Saturday’s performance, Fuller explained: “I’m a little disappointed the run’s come to an end, but we always knew it was going to be difficult.

“We’ve given the ball away in possession, probably a bad decision and they then go down our end and score.

“We weathered a storm early on from set plays, but I think that was more to do with the physical advantage they had over us, in height and presence.

“I think we competed at times but didn’t offer much of a threat if I’m being honest, in terms of physical battles defensively, but in midfield, we were really good though.”

“We haven’t really penetrated their defence or got in behind.

“We had a good chance through James Wilson in the first half and there’s some half chances early on in the second, but not much else.’

“Overall we’ve done okay, but I’m a little disappointed.”

Benfield return to Sam Smith’s Park on Tuesday, hosting Newcastle Blue Star – and Fuller is looking for a response.

“I’m feeling confident,” he continued.

“I’ve just said to the lads that we have to believe.

“If someone had to said to me at the start of the season that we’d only lose 1-0 to Shildon at the end of March, I’d have taken it.

“Blue Star are near us in the table, so we need to be ready to try and take points off them to help continue our good form as well.”