‘Deserved three points’ – Newcastle Benfield boss Andrew Ferguson reflects on victory over Carlisle City

Newcastle Benfield manager Andrew Ferguson was pleased with his side’s hard work and desire to overcome a physical Carlisle City side on Saurday.

Benfield got back to winning ways after a loss away at Horden and frustrating mid-week draw against Marske, through a late Albie Mcpate wonderstrike.

And after two games without a victory, the Benfield boss was pleased to return to winning ways.

He said: “I thought we were decent today as we were midweek {vs Marske} and also last week against Horden.

“We’ve been the better team in all three games but haven’t been coming away with what we deserve and that’s down to us in the final third, but I feel we’ve done alright today.

“The keeper hasn’t had much to do for us today, we’ve been good collectively and got a deserved three points.”

Mcpate’s strike proved the difference on Saturday – and Ferguson hailed the attacking midfielder’s contributions.

“We toyed with the idea of starting Albie today, he’s been really good off the bench recently to help impact games,” the Benfield boss continued.

“It got to that time where we felt the need to introduce him because on Tuesday, he was away with England duties and so was Patrick {Dolan} who came back in today too.

“We know what we’re going to get off Albie, lots of energy and trickery.

“He’s an intelligent footballer and we thought we might get something behind through him, but obviously he’s picked the ball up twenty yards from goal, beat two men and smashed it in the top corner.

“That’s what we needed though, a bit of magic, as the robust stuff was just down their throats.”

As well as three points, a clean sheet wasn’t understated for Benfield, with Ferguson also heaping praise onto the side’s defence.

He said: “Brad’s {Varga} always been class, since we’ve come in, he’s been mint.

“He’s our club captain and when he’s not here it’s Benno {Andre Bennett}.

“He can head it, kick it and will always run through walls for the team.

“I thought the whole back five were very solid today.”

Benfield face a quick turnaround as they host Thornaby on Tuesday night – a game Ferguson expects to be a “tough” challenge.

“It will be another tough game – I’m away for that one,” he explained.

“A few of the lads who missed the midweek game are buzzing after today’s win, so they should be itching to play again on Tuesday.’