Match Report | Newcastle Benfield (H)

A glorious day for a game of football dawned on The Calvert Stadium, gone were worries of the rain hampering the playing surface and we were in hope of free-flowing football.

Town had only the single change to starting lineup that featured against Ashington last weekend, with Alex Bruton returning in place of the now-departed Ciaran Banks.

First Half

Following the pattern of recent fixtures, Town began the game positively and were trying to get on the front foot, a through ball towards Bruton was thwarted by Gordon in the Benfield goal.

I'd be lying if I said the game was the most exciting to be seen. Despite good football on show from both sides, there was a distinct lack of opportunities for either side to write about.

Joey Hope, who scored his first goal for the club in last weekend's victory, unfortunately, had to be withdrawn with a head injury just before HT and was replaced by Jack Stapley.

HT - Northallerton 0-0 Newcastle Benfield

Second Half

After little happening during the first period, we had a goal in the opening 5 minutes.

It was the visitors who put themselves ahead. The goal came somewhat against the run of play but as Benfield broke Cameron Gascoigne found Ryan McGorrigan who lifted the ball over the oncoming Aleks Petrovic.

1-0 Newcastle Benfield

It was only minutes later that Northallerton had the ball in the back of the net via Jack Stapley but the equaliser was adjudged to be offside with the line official being well placed to make the call.

Luke Jones then entered the fray hoping to make a similar impact to his previous substitute appearance, replacing Alex Bruton.

It was just after the hour mark that Town got a well-deserved equaliser. The ball got swung in from the right and on to the chest of Micky Rae, whose control on bringing it down and powering an effort past the keeper was a sight to behold. A great goal all round.

1-1 All square

Following the equaliser, Town made their final change with the returning Nathan Stephenson replacing Sean Chidanyika.

Town were arguably the more likely side to go and find a winner in the closing stages. Luke Jones had an opportunity but was unable to generate the required power and direction to provide and Stephenson had an effort from distance over the bar.

There was one more piece of drama in the shape of a red card.

Anthony Snook brought down his man on the edge of the area as Benfield looked to break and the referee deemed him to be the last man and befitting of a professional foul and gave him his marching orders.

However, this wasn't to spoil the result as Town hung for what could still be a vital point against strong opposition.

FT - Northallerton 1-1 Newcastle Benfield