Tag: Newcastle Benfield

ENL 1 – Newcastle Benfield Preview

benfield

Venue

Dean Street
Shildon
County Durham
DL5 1EZ

Match Day

23rd March 2016
Kick Off: 19:30

Admission Prices
Adults £6.00
Concessions £4.00

Current League Position –  16th ENL1
P 29  W 9  D 6  L 14  F 51  A 66  Pts 33

Last Match Played

19th March 2016
Norton & Stockton Ancients 0 Newcastle Benfield 0

Facts
Founded: 1988
Nickname: The Lions
Record Attendance: 926 v York City (FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying 2006)
Joined Northern League: 2003/04
Home Colours: Blue and white hoops, blue shorts and socks
Away Colours: 
Website:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/NcleBenfield
 Facebook:

NEWCASTLE BENFIELD F.C. HISTORY

The origins of the club can be traced back to 1988 when, as a result of the Northern Alliance
league expanding to three divisions; the club competed as Brunswick Village in the Second
Division for just one season. Changing the club’s name to Heaton Corner House also brought
about a change in fortunes as the club transformed themselves from the previous season’s
10th place finish by storming to the Second Division championship in 1989/90.

The club moved to its current ground at Sam Smith’s Sports Ground on Benfield Road, and
again changed its name to Benfield Park. Following a couple of near misses in the race to
gain promotion to the Premier Division, the club succeeded at the third time of asking
before stunning the Premier Division big boys by claiming a League and Challenge Cup
double at the first attempt at the end of the 1994/95 campaign.

That success wasn’t built upon and the club suffered a few seasons in the doldrums, before
an approach by local rivals North Shields St. Columba’s gave the club additional momentum
at the turn of the millennium. Having managed to persuade Allan Bell to take the manager’s
job just weeks after he had led Walker Central to the Northern Alliance title, Benfield’s
second Northern Alliance title was achieved in 2002/03 and this fine achievement was
heightened by the club’s acceptance into the Northern League for the first time in the club’s
history.

Allan Bell left the club before the start of the Northern League adventure, but his
replacement Keith Sheardown started brilliantly, leading the club to immediate promotion
into the First Division after a final day 9-0 demolition of Willington, but Nissan’s victory over
main rivals Ashington was erased from the record books as the had fielded an ineligible
player. Ashington won the replayed fixture and took the title, leaving Benfield to settle for
second place.

Expectations were for a season of consolidation in the club’s first season in the Northern
League Division One, but no-one seemed to have told the players as they led the table for
the first six months of the season before falling away and finishing a magnificent fourth.
Benfield have since then enjoyed a successful and unbroken tenure in the First Division.
Former Hartlepool United striker Paul Baker replaced Sheardown in September 2005 and
was still at the helm when the club lifted their first Northern League honour, the League Cup,
in May 2007, having beaten Nissan 1-0 at Federation Park, Dunston, courtesy of a
magnificent Alu Bangura goal. Baker enjoyed particular success in FA competitions, leading
the club to their then best performance in the FA Vase in 2006 and a year later reaching the
​Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, narrowly losing 1-0 to York City in front of 927 fans, a
ground record.

Undoubtedly, the club’s finest season came in 2008/09 when under Tom Wade, the club
enjoyed an incredible run of form in the second half of the season to shoot up the league
from a mid-table position to win the title on the final day of the season, thanks to an 88
th minute winner by Stephen Young in the final game to be played at Penrith’s Southend Road
ground. Newcastle Benfield had never been top of the table in the whole season, until
Young’s winning strike. That success was doubled when victory in the League Cup, ironically
also against Penrith, was assured by a breath-taking Ian Graham goal, though all those who
were present would agree that keeper Andrew Grainger’s performance was perhaps the
finest individual display by a Benfield player during the club’s time in the Northern League.
Wade left before the start of the following season, with Baker returning and winning the
Cleator Cup, the Northern League’s equivalent of the Charity Shield, in his first game back in
charge. The club were unable to repeat their Championship winning form and had to settle
for fifth place, which was followed by fourth place in 2010/11. The highlight of that latter
season was a third League Cup victory for the club, over Spennymoor United at Dunston,
where that man Andrew Grainger was the start of the show, saving a penalty and making
several world-class saves as 10-man Benfield prevailed 3-1 after extra time.

Paul Baker resigned for the second time in September 2011, to be replaced by former player,
captain and assistant manager Alu Bangura. Sadly the club legend’s time in the hot seat was
a short one and he resigned six months later, to be replaced by Perry Briggs as the club
limped to a disappointing finish in the league. Briggs himself left the club in the late autumn
of 2012, to be replaced by former North Shields manager Anthony Woodhouse. Despite an
encouraging 3-0 victory away to Sunderland RCA in Woodhouse’s first game in charge,
results did not improve noticeably and he quit the job, citing work pressures, in early 2013.
For the second season running, Benfield had the distinction of three managers in a season,
this time seeing former Bedlington Terriers player Steve Bowey assuming the top job, but
combining it with a playing role.

The end of the 2012/13 season saw Benfield avoid relegation by a narrow margin, having
won away in the last league game played at Consett’s venerable Belle Vue ground. This was
even more impressive as the fixture was played twice, as the lights failed with less than 15
minutes remaining in the first game, when a Benfield victory would have assured safety. The
club made their fourth appearance in the League Cup final, ironically in the last ever game to
be played at Belle Vue, but came up short against Spennymoor United, despite a battling
performance.

For 2013/14, Bowey’s side put in some impressive league performances, including a superb
7-0 victory away to Bedlington Terriers, but ultimately ended up finishing in 14
th place. The real focus for the season was the FA Vase, where a series of excellent results, including
victory away to eventual Northern League Champions Spennymoor United at their Brewery
Field ground, put the club into the quarter finals of this national competition for the first
time. Sadly this is where the story ended with a 1-0 defeat to Leicestershire side St. Andrew’s
ending the dream of a Wembley appearance.

Tragically, club founder Danny Gates passed away in November 2013. No-one who has ever
attended a Benfield game will ever underestimate the contribution of Danny to the history
and development of the club. He will never be forgotten.

At the end of the season manager Steve Bowey tendered his resignation and was replaced
by Neil Saxton, who in turn left in October to be replaced by the returning Bowey., with the
club languishing near the foot of the table. Despite disappointingly early exits in all cup
competitions, including a demoralising 2-1 loss away to Chadderton in the FA Vase, Bowey’s
return galvanised the club’s league form. The last 14 games saw Benfield win 11 and draw 1
to top the form table, finishing 10 th in the real version. This was helped by Northern League
Player of the Season Paul Brayson weighing in with 49 goals in all competitions.

With a settled squad, including some quality additions, the signs were hopeful for
2015/2016 at Sam Smith’s Park. However, after a difficult run of results, Bowey tendered his
resignation at the end of October. The club acted to appoint Mark Convery and Paul Brayson
as joint player managers in November 2015.

Shildon v Newcastle Benfield – Postponed

The Ebac Northern League Division One game against Newcastle Benfield match on Saturday 9th January has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The clubhouse will be open from Noon to show the live FA Cup matches between

12:45 Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa

17:30 Manchester United v Sheffield United

The clubhouse has just had installed new draught beers

Strongbow Dark Fruit
John Smith’s
Fosters
Theakstons

all priced at £2.50 per pint

ENL1 – Newcastle Benfield Result

Shildon AFC league title challenge takes a knock.

Shildon AFC league title challenge took a knock on Wednesday 11th February 2015 when they were beaten 2 – 0 at Newcastle Benfield.

With both teams playing open football there were chances at both ends with Shildon’s keeper Kyle Hayes making good saves from Michael Riley and Paul Brayson, with Benfield keeper Andrew Grainger stopping a Bobby Moore drive.

On 36 minutes Bobby Moore hit the bar from a corner before a soft penalty was awarded against Darren Richardson. Grayson’s penalty kick was brilliantly turned onto the post by Shildon keeper Kyle Hayes. A minute later however, he had no chance when captain Grayson was clean through and he lifted the ball over him for 1 – 0 to the home side.

Half Time:  Newcastle Benfield   1  Shildon AFC  0

Shildon were more effective in the 2nd half with Mark Hudson firing  just over the bar , and keeper making two good stops from Ben Wood.

Benfield were awarded a hotly disputed second penalty for a foul by Mark Hudson on 71 minutes, but this time Brayson managed to beat Hayes from the spot.

Both side continued to create chances but the score remained the same, with Benfield slightly edging the game on the night and deserved to win.

Final Score:   Newcastle Benfield  2  Shildon AFC  0

Subs:  Emms for Doninger 66,  Connor for Rae  77

Bookings:  (Y)  Wood 38, Hodgson 90.

After the match manager Gary Forrest said “In the first half I thought we were flat but we picked up in the second half and until the second penalty came along we looked like we could have scored and got something out of the game

Team

1) Kyle Hayes
2) Jamie Harwood
3) Darren Richardson
4) Mark Hudson
5) Liam Atkin
6) Daniel Moore
7) Mark Doninger
8) Sam Hodgson
9) Michael Rae
10) Ben Wood
11) Billy Greulich-Smith

Subs

12) Paul connor on for Rae
14) Lee Chapman
15) Jack Taylor
16) Chris Emms on for Doninger
17) Darren Craddock on for Atkin

Bookings

Wood
Hodgson

Man-of-The-Match

Shildon V Newcastle Benfield

Shildon AFC got back to winning ways on Saturday 6th September at Dean Street, with a 2 – 1 win against Newcastle Benfield, with both goals being scored quite late in the game.

After Shildon’s keeper tipped over a long range effort from Mark Convery, Shildon created several chances to open the score. Mark Hudson fired straight at the keeper then headed wide, before Chris Emms’ shot was tipped over. Just before the break Emms, Paul Connor and Ben Wood all had shots one after another blocked by Benfield’s defenders.

Half Time: Shildon AFC 0 Newcastle Benfield 0.

Early in the second half Shildon had all the possession, but against the run of play, Benfield took the lead on 65 minutes when Michael Riley broke away and found Paul Brayson, who shot low past Lewis Graham.

Shildon had numerous corners and pressed hard for the equaliser, and on 83 minutes Paul Connor fired over the keeper but the ball was headed off the line by Chris Carr. Two minutes later, with time running out, the Railwaymen got their reward when Jamie Harwood fired through a crowd of players for 1 – 1.

With only a minute remaining, Micky Rae cracked in a great goal from 25 yards out for victory.

Final Score: Shildon AFC 2 Newcastle Benfield 1.

Goals: Harwood 85, Rae 89.

Subs: Rae for Emms 66, Ruddy for Wood 66, Atkin for Hudson 80.

* Taken from Shildon Town Crier

 

Pictures courtesy of Tom Clegg and are available to view on Flickr

[fsg_gallery id=”37″]

Railwaymen see off Benfield resistance

It was the proverbial game of two halves as Shildon returned from Newcastle this evening with all three points after a stellar second half performance brushed aside Benfield’s stout first half resistance.

A Mark Hudson penalty after Sam Garvie was upended in the box got the ball rolling. Billy Greulich-Smith, in his first start of the season nodded home Ben Wood’s cross three minutes later and Sam Garvie finished the scoring with an expert finish nine minutes from time.

However, the victory was marred when debutant, Mark Stephenson had to be stretched off shortly after replacing Billy. We will keep you posted when we have news of his condition.

The first half was a stuttering affair, not helped by a referee intent on blowing for every minor infraction. Consequently, there was no flow to the game and chances were at a premium.

Shildon’s best effort came from a Ben Wood free kick that was tipped over the bar by Grainger in the Benfield goal, while the home side came close to taking a lead into the break when a goalmouth scramble required a clearance off the line before the referee blew his whistle one last time.

However, as the second half got underway, the referee kept his whistle away from his lips while the Railwaymen moved through the gears to take control of the tie. In 57 minutes, Ben Wood fed Sam Garvie who burst into the box before being fouled. Fit again Mark Hudson stepped up to resume penalty taking duties and made no mistake from 12 yards.

It was the breakthrough the side were waiting for and within minutes the lead was doubled. Billy Greulich-Smith was at the end of an excellent move to nod home a close range header from man-of-the-match, Ben Wood’s cross.

With a two-goal cushion, the Railwaymen never looked like conceding. Darren Richardson – another contender for the player of the game – slotted comfortably into the left-back berth and the defense looked more solid that it has so far this season. With Lewis Graham finding his voice (it appears he’s learning well from his tutor), the back five played extremely well as a unit and were rewarded with a deserved clean sheet.

Mark Stephenson entered the field for the final twenty minutes to allow Billy Greuich-Smith a rest after his first match of the season. Billy’s industry was rewarded with a goal, but he will need some more game time before he is fully match fit.

With nine minutes remaining, Sam Garvie capped the side’s second half performance with another fine strike. Shildon kept possession in the midfield after a Lewis Graham goal kick and Ben Wood lost his marker with a smart turn before playing the ball to Garvie at the edge of the box. Sam took a touch to side-step the defence before neatly directing his shot into the bottom corner.

Before the end, Shildon were unfortunate to lose Mark Stephenson when, reaching for the ball, he collapsed to the ground with no one near him. It looked entirely innocuous, but Sports Physio, Amy Gardner quickly called for the stretcher. The player was surrounded by the Shildon management team and we all wish him well for a swift recovery. Hopefully the injury is less serious than it appeared.

The Railwaymen played out the remainder of the game without ever looking under threat, although Graham was able to produce a smart stop on the one occasion Benfield beat the offside trap.

It was a far cry from last midweek’s loss to Crook, with the side looking sharp, determined and concentrated on the task of collecting all three points. In the end they did so with ease. Perhaps that early defeat served a positive purpose. It certainly seems so after scoring seven goals and conceding just one in the subsequent two matches.

Shildon march on in FA Cup

After a minor derailment in midweek, the Railwaymen got back on track in West Yorkshire with a clinical victory in the FA Cup at Garforth Town.

Shildon took full advantage of the wind at their backs to score three first half goals and effectively put the tie beyond the reach of the home side within half an hour.

A goal on the hour mark gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Shildon made sure their name would be listed in the next round with a fourth goal ten minutes from time.

While the strong wind made for difficult conditions, the over-zealous referee somehow contrived to produce eight yellow cards and one red in a match that was competitive but, for the majority of the 166 spectators, sportingly contested.

It was the stiff breeze that led directly to the first goal, with Garforth keeper, Dominic Smith struggling to get any distance on his kick outs. Sam Hodgson picked up the short clearance inside the Garforth half and fed Ben Wood, who fired low and hard from 22 yards. Smith’s fingertips were not enough to keep the ball from nestling in the corner of the net.

Just three minutes into the tie, Shildon suffered a major blow when Paul Connor limped out of action, to be replaced by Darren Richardson, and one wondered whether the Railwaymen might struggle up front. But a second goal on 25 minutes put paid to any such fears.

Garforth found themselves a man light on the right side when Andy Hawksworth was halted by a ball to the face. As play continued, Shildon worked the ball well in the gap, with Sam Garvie feeding Ben Wood in the box. Wood was forced to the byline but held possession and cut the ball back to Hodgson who fired an unstoppable volley from 16 yards high and wide of the despairing Smith.

Six minutes later the tie was virtually over as a contest when Jamie Harwood latched on to a curling John Brackstone free kick to nod powerfully past the hapless goalkeeper.

Shildon eased down significantly in the second half and conceded a goal on the hour mark that gave the home side some hope of a comeback. A precise pass through the Shildon back four from Gary Storer found Alex Booker alone at the right side of the six yard area and his sidefooted shot across Lewis Graham found the side netting.

Shildon’s defence remained solid containing Garforth to shots from distance that failed to trouble the target. Perhaps Garforth’s best chance to close the gap further came in the 68th minute when it seemed that Darren Craddock had poleaxed C J Lyle in the box. However, in keeping with his run of strange decisions, the referee elected to book the home forward for diving.

As the players tired the match became ever scrappier, which suited Shildon, who duly put the tie beyond any doubt in the 80th minute. The bounce of a Ben Wood through ball was badly misjudged by Smith, and as it sailed over his head, Richardson was on hand to hook the ball into an empty net.

All that remained was for the referee to finally get the opportunity to wave his red card alongside the myriad of yellows he had already produced. On this occasion the yellow received by Tawanda Rupere was merited after he scythed down Richardson in frustration. It was his second of the match and he was forced to an early bath. One wonders whether the presence of an assessor got the better of the man in the middle, who seemed to have coped the least well with the conditions and, perhaps, the pressure of the occasion.

Shildon will now face Penrith at Dean Street in the next round after they ran out 3-1 winners over Newcastle Benfield. The tie will be played on Saturday, 31st August, with a 3pm kick off.