Old and new combine to send Benfield through

NEWCASTLE Benfield won the generation game and progressed into the second round of the FA Vase with a 2-0 win against 1874 Northwich.

Goalscorers Paul Brayson and Scott McCarthy are at opposite ends of their careers and separated by 18 years, but both played a key role to help Tom Wade’s side into tomorrow’s draw.

The visitors made a lively start and had the first effort of the game inside the opening two minutes.

A driving run from midfielder Samuel Hare gave him an opening on the edge of the Benfield area, but his low drive was weak and easily taken by Andrew Grainger low down to his left-hand side.

Benfield could and should have taken the lead on 15 minutes and the fact it was arch goalscorer Brayson on the end of the chance only enhanced the feeling of surprise that the deadlock remained unbroken.

Jake Orrell took an inswinging free-kick from the left and it found Brayson unmarked at the far post, but the veteran striker could only divert the ball over the bar from around eight yards.

Brayson had another golden chance just after the midway point of the half as he raced on to a Dean Holmes cross but sent a header narrowly over the visitors crossbar from the penalty spot.

Both sides were showing plenty of promise in attack, with the visitors breaking at speed and Benfield struggling to contain their movement.

That said, the Northern League