No pot of gold at end of Benfield’s rainbow

Newcastle Benfield vs Kidderminster Harriers FA cup game A RAINBOW provided a colourful backdrop to Newcastle Benfield’s FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie against Kidderminster Harriers.

But any dreams of securing the pot of gold that is a First Round place were ended as the National League North side came away from Sam Smith’s Park with a narrow victory.

Benfield were busy, they were brave and bold, but ultimately they were beaten by one real moment of quality.

There were 68 minutes on the clock when Harriers substitute Andre Wright danced past three Benfield defenders.

The winger composed himself before providing an inch-perfect cross for England ‘C’ striker Joe Ironside to tap into the net from closerange.

That was enough to see off the Northern League side, who had more than matched their illustrious opponents for large parts of the game.

The visitors dominated the early stages and should have taken the lead within three minutes but captain Ryan Croasdale could only flick a cross wide of Andrew Grainger’s far post.

Benfield took their time to get going, showing their opponents too much respect in the first quarter of an hour.

But some dogged tackling from Joe Hailes seemed to shake the hosts into life.

The winger combined with Steve Bowey to create a chance for Paul Brayson that was blocked by two Harriers defenders.