Northern League Division 1

28 April 2007

 

Newcastle Benfield Bay Plastics 2 : Bishop Auckland 1

 

 

Team:  Chris Porter, Adam Clough, Paul Crager, Paul Cambpell, Paul Griffith, Paul Harvey, Joe Fairish, Robbie Clarkson, Gavin Parkin (Lee Johnston), Lev Yalcin, Dale Mendum

 

Conceding a late goal to lose 2-1 was a fitting end to a disappointing season.  Porter returned in goal allowing Paul Griffith to return to his more familiar defensive position and Campbell returned after suspension.

 

The game was played in typical end of season fashion on a good Benfield pitch with few chances created in the early exchanges.  Bishops fired in a few long range shots but only Clarkson’s drive from 20 yards stretched the home ‘keeper.

 

Benfield had a good chance on 33 minutes when after Crager blocked an initial cross, the ball was turned back in but Porter saved with a foot at the near post.

 

Bishops were ahead on 36 minutes.  Yalcin’s fierce shot bounced off a defender’s face to Harvey whose low shot hit the inside of the ‘keeper’s left hand post before spinning in just inside the opposite post.  Benfield immediately equalised with an attack straight from the kick off.

 

Bishops visibly tired in the closing stages and Benfield looked the more likely to secure the three points.  After one offside attempt was ruled out,  and a free header went over the bar,  On 83 minutes, Benfield went ahead with a simple tap in.   Harvey came close to an equaliser with a decent low drive across the ‘keeper, but the ball went agonisingly wide.

 

 

Fixtures and Results