Benfield’s ex-United men aiming to pull off a Cup shock
BOSS HOPES TOON FANS WILL CHEER HIS SIDE TO VICTORY
NEWCASTLE Benfield manager Mark Convery is hoping to take advantage of the international break as his side look to produce an FA Cup first qualifying round giantkilling.
Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club Workington are the visitors to Tyneside tomorrow and the Benfield boss is hopeful that having a whole host of former Newcastle United academy players in his squad may tempt some Magpies supporters to get behind his side.
Convery’s fellow joint-manager Paul Brayson made his name as a prolific striker in United’s youth team and reserves during the mid1990s.
He made one first-team appearance under Kevin Keegan, playing alongside Les Ferdinand and Philippe Albert in a 3-1 League Cup win against Bristol City in October 1995.
Brayson has gone on to forge a reputation as one of the most consistent strikers in the Northern League and is still finding the net on a regular basis at the age of 40.
He is joined in the Benfield squad by young midfielder Mackenzie Heaney.
The 19-year-old was released by the Magpies last season and was quickly snapped up by Convery during the summer.
The Benfield boss can also call upon the services of other former United youngsters like Matthew Grieve and Kieran Wrightson.
They both featured for the Magpies reserves alongside the likes of Andy Carroll and Tim Krul.
And Benfield forward Dennis Knight counts Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi among his former team-mates after spending a number of years in the United academy and reserve team set-up.
Convery is hoping that the connections with the Magpies may entice supporters to make the most of a free Saturday by making the trip to Sam Smith’s Park.
“Obviously we know it’s an international weekend so there is no Newcastle game on Saturday and supporters will be looking for a game,” explained Convery.
“We have a few lads that spent time at Newcastle and hopefully that will get some of their supporters to Sam Smith’s Park.
“We need a big crowd, we need all of the support we can get because it’s a very tough tie against a team from two leagues above us.
“It’s a one-off game and anything can happen in the FA Cup so we are hopeful that we can pull off an upset.
“We have proven we can do it because last season we beat Ashton United at home in the FA Cup and we played well against Kidderminster Harriers.
“We need a similar outlook to the game this time.
“It’s a case of not being fazed by the challenge and having a good go.
“That is exactly what we will be doing.”
Kick-off is at 3pm tomorrow and entry to the game is £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for children aged under 16. CHRIS Swales has called on his Dunston UTS players to go on the attack in their FA Cup first qualifying round tie against North Ferriby United.
The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division side were FA Trophy winners as recently as 2015 and spent the following season in the National League – non-league football’s top-tier.
They have suffered two relegations since those heady days but still pose a considerable threat to the Northern League side, and Swales still wants his side to take the game to the Villagers.
“We will be on the front foot because that is all we know really,” said the three-time FA Vase winner.
“We will be on the attack and it’s the way to be when we have in-form players like Mark Fitzpatrick, Scott Heslop, Liam Thear and Liam Brooks.
“We can pull off an upset and hopefully we will have a big crowd to help us.”
Whitley Bay also entertain Evo-Stik League opponents as Whitby Town make the short trip up the North East coast.
Bay boss Andy Gowens is without cup-tied duo Ben Richardson and Craig McFarlane.
Bay boss Andy Gowens is without cup-tied duo Ben Richardson and Craig McFarlane and insisted that his side have nothing to lose against the Seasiders.
“They’re favourites because they are two leagues above but that’s the FA Cup for you.
“You can test yourself against sides like Whitby and we know we will have to be at our best but we have nothing to lose.”
Newcastle Benfield are the third of four Northern League clubs to face a step three side as they host Workington at Sam Smith’s Park.
Guisborough Town will take on Farsley Celtic at the KGV Stadium and Consett are the only Northern League side facing an away tie, at Congleton.
South Shields make their bow in this season’s FA Cup with a home tie against Northern Counties East League side Garforth Town, while Morpeth Town head to Ashton Athletic.
The Mariners warmed up for the game by picking up their first away win of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division season at Stalybridge Celtic.
Joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton are without suspended duo Gary Brown and Carl Finnigan.