Mass-ive win for seven-up Benfield to progress in Dawson Cup

BENFIELD Under-13’s travelled to Berwick Middle School to play their County Dawson Cup preliminaryround tie.

The journey was well worth it as they emerged 7-0 victors with goals from Tony Carlson (2), Ellis Karran, Ondrej Batas and Joe Massey (3).

They will play either Ashington or Blyth in the next round. ■■ST Cuthbert’s Under-13s played their County Cup clash against Excelsior.

Despite the final 5-1 scoreline it was a very tight game.

The Saints took an early lead and then doubled it after 20 minutes.

However, the visitors staged a comeback and went close to pulling a goal back before finally reducing the deficit just before half-time.

In the second period Excelsior pushed hard for the equaliser and went close again, forcing the home goalkeeper into a number of saves and enjoying a few close efforts.

With 10 minutes to go, however, the game changed again when Alfie Holland rose at the back post to head the Saints’ third goal.

This knocked the stuffing out of Excelsior and they conceded a further two goals before the end.

St Cuthbert’s will play Walker or Valley Gardens in the second round. ■■THE Saints’ Under-13’s were back in action in the ESFA PlayStation Cup against Whickham, running out easy 9-0 victors. ■■ST Cuthbert’s Under-14s were also in ESFA PlayStation action, defeating Monkwearmouth 5-2.

The Wearsiders took the lead after a mistake by goalkeeper Mauro Asikaogu.

The Saints hit back after the break through a Jose Baptista hat-trick, Monkwearmouth then scoring again before Saints added a late brace.