Report: Newcastle Benfield 2-2 AFC Newbiggin (5-4 on pens)

Newcastle Benfield progressed into the next round of the Northumberland Senior Cup after a penalty shoot-out victory against AFC Newbiggin.  

The Biggin came from two goals down in a second-half comeback, but their penalty shoot-out defeat means they exit the tournament.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes, Benfield grew into the game with Joe Thompson producing a fine save from Newbiggin ‘keeper, Rob Hodgson.  

Another chance fell to the Lions just before the half-hour mark. A long ball caused problems for the Newbiggin backline, with Owen Imeson being left through on goal, only to see his effort blocked off the line. 

However, Benfield managed to take the lead from the resulting corner, after a well-worked routine saw a Newbiggin player put in his own net. 

Just before half-time, their lead was doubled, as a low driven pass was tapped in by Thompson at the back post. 

Two minutes into the second half, Newbiggin halved the deficit after Matty Nelson played through Ethan Smith, whose finish was slotted past the Benfield ‘keeper. 

In the 58th minute, Newbiggin’s comeback was complete after Brad Higgins beat the offside trap to level the tie. 

Neither side were able to find a winner in 90 minutes, with the game heading straight to penalties. Benfield scored five perfect penalties, whereas Newbiggin missed their fourth penalty to see the Lions progress to the next round.