Boss Wades in to praise his Benfield team
NEWCASTLE Benfield manager Tom Wade praised his side as it stretched its unbeaten run to 11 games with a 2-0 home win against West Auckland Town.
Jake Orrell and Paul Brayson scored either side of half-time at Sam Smith’s Park to help Benfield move up to seventh place in the Division One table.
Wade said: “There was a great workrate from the boys against a very good West Auckland side.
“It was a big test for us on Saturday and the lads have done themselves and the club proud.”
Dunston UTS continue to top the table after goals from Jack Elliott and Jake Stafford gave them a 2-0 win at struggling Seaham Red Star.
Chris Swailes’ side is now unbeaten in 16 league games so far this season.
Only goal difference separates Dunston and second-placed Consett, who were 2-0 home winners against Ashington thanks to second-half strikes from Matthew Slocombe and Michael Sweet.
North Shields put on the performance of the day as efforts from Sean McRoberts, Ryan Carr, Paul Robinson and Craig Spooner eased them to a comfortable 4-1 home win against Hebburn Town.
Bishop Auckland continued their impressive form with a 2-1 success at Guisborough Town thanks to finishes from Shaun Ryder and Darren Richardson.
Whitley Bay failed to build on an early lead as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ryhope CW.
A Joe Atkinson own goal put Mick Mulhern’s side ahead on seven minutes but a Michael Rae brace and a Jack Devlin free-kick gave their hosts all three points.
Whickham also wasted a lead as late goals from Kurt Matthews and Ethan Wood helped Newton Aycliffe put Max Cowburn’s firsthalf strike behind them to claim a 2-1 win at the Glebe Sports Ground.
Shildon were held to a 1-1 draw at bottom-of-the-table Penrith after Grant Davidson cancelled out an opener from Railwaymen midfielder Ben Trotter.
Dylan Elliott’s brace proved fruitless as Sunderland RCA were condemned to a 4-2 defeat at Stockton Town.
An injury-time winner from Lewis Murphy helped Thornaby to a 3-2 win at Birtley Town and kept his side in second place.
Heaton Stannington were held to a goalless draw by Willington at Grounsell Park.