Newcastle Benfield vs Whitley Bay – Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final preview

Newcastle Benfield and Whitley Bay face off in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final on Tuesday at Sam Smith’s Park.

The winner of the game will face Heaton Stannington at St James’ Park in the final. 

Form… 

Benfield go into the game winless in their last five, coming off the back off a one nil defeat away at Boro Rangers.

Before that, they lost four nil at home to Easington.

Their last point came from a 0-0 draw against Birtley Town on March 31. 

The Bay are coming off the back of a one-all draw away at Birtley Town.

Before that match, they lost to play-off semi-final opponents West Auckland one-nil in the league. 

Previous meeting… 

In the previous meeting between the pair, Whitley Bay defeated Benfield 2-1 away at Sam Smith’s Park.

A first-half goal from Heremenegulto de Silva put them one nil up going into half time.

Andre Bennett levelled for Benfield from the spot on the 70th minute, before Mackenzie Sharpe got the winner for The Seahorses. 

League positions… 

The Lions currently occupy 13th position, with safety secured for another season.

They’re on 42 points, level with Penrith and Thornaby. 

As for Whitley Bay, they currently sit third in the table and have secured a play-off spot.

They will face fourth-placed West Auckland Town on April 25, in the Northern League Division One play off semi-final. 

Player to watch for… 

Sharpe is Whitley Bay’s top scorer with 25 league goals.