Match Report – Kendal Town vs Newcastle Benfield

Kendal Town 2-1 Newcastle Benfield

Newcastle Benfield fell short at the Westmorland Flooring Stadium despite a late fightback.

A first half strike opened the scoring via James Bailey in the 36th minute. That combined with a 46th minute goal from Josh Winder proved too difficult to defy for the Lions. A Jack Watson header inside the last 15 wasn’t enough despite Benfield’s late surge.

Kendal came fast out of the blocks, carving out numerous opportunities inside the first ten minutes. However, this wasn’t without any response from Benfield. Kyle Fryatt attacked the right-hand side of the box, driving at the byline. A sliding challenge from the Kendal defender no doubt caught Fryatt, without touching the ball, however no penalty was given.

This decision came back to hurt the Lions. With less than ten to go before half time, Bailey opened the scoring for the Mintcakes. A scramble in Benfield’s box resulted in Bailey finding the back of the net.

A minute into the second half Kendal doubled their advantage. A smart darting run from Winder down the right-hand side was coupled with a smart finish, finding the bottom left-hand corner, 2-0 Kendal.

Benfield started to pick up the pace in the last 25 minutes, building some momentum, seeing plenty of the ball in Kendal’s half. The resurgence was rewarded as Watson got on the end of a delivery from Christian Lynn, a big header was nodded home from Benfield’s full-back.

Benfield continued to pile on the pressure but to no avail – Kendal saw the dying embers out and secured all three points.