NEWCASTLE BENFIELD 2 1874 NORTHWICH 0

Action from Newcastle Benfield v 1874 Northwich in the FA Vase side’s obvious attacking threat was troubling the Cheshire out.

But both sides were being let down by a lack of quality when it came to providing a killer pass in the final third.

There was one more chance before half-time, but 1874 midfielder Jack Irlam’s low drive was palmed around his far post by Benfield keeper Grainger.

The half-time whistle brought an end to 45 minutes of unfulfilled promise and rising frustrations from players on both sides.

The wind seemed to pick up during the half-time break and that forced both sides to keep the ball on the floor in the early stages of the second half.

Benfield were the main beneficiaries as they finally opened the scoring 20 minutes into the second half.

A neat move down the left led to James Martin swinging a cross in towards Brayson and the former Newcastle United man somehow managed to arch his neck and power a header beyond visitors’ keeper James Coates.

The lead was doubled minutes later with a goal from McCarthy.

Benfield won a corner on the right and Dennis Knight’s vicious inswinging caused all sorts of issues for the away defence.

The biggest issue was that they had left McCarthy unmarked at the far post and the in-form forward made no mistake by heading past Coates from inside the six-yard box.

The visitors were rocked and struggled to find their way back into the game.

Their response was minimal and only a blocked shot from substitute Kazim Waite-Jackson ever really looked like threatening Benfield’s twogoal advantage.

Benfield were comfortable and saw out the game with minimal fuss.

They deserved their win and although it was a long time coming, they can reflect on a job well done.