‘A performance that deserved so much more’
Looking to build on from Wednesday night’s game with Heaton Stannington, Brian Smith named six changes to the starting eleven as the lads took to the field in front of another healthy crowd of 462.
In the early exchanges the Robins came flying out of the blocks applying early pressure with McCamley providing the first threat down the right hand side only for his cross to be well cleared.
Curtis Coppen hit a snap shot wide of the target from just inside the area.
Moments later another chance for the Robins, this time falling to Kyle Downey taking fire from outside the area, unfortunately not the cleanest of strikes and dealt with easily by Andrew Grainger in goal for the visitors.
GOAL 9’ Newcastle Benfield – Noah Millington
Somewhat against the run of play in the opening exchanges, on what was a sticky surface, the ball finding itself stuck in the surface, allowed Noah Millington to nip off the toes of Callum Dobson before passing the ball into an empty net to give the visitor’s the lead.
Despite the setback, it did not deter the Robins from fighting for a way back into the game, Savage winning a corner but to no avail.
An early substitution saw Ewan McGowan replace Will McCamley halfway through the first half.
The visitor’s looked to capitalize on the break, Noah Millington found himself in behind the Robins defense but Callum Dobson was equal to his effort to make a good save with his feet.
Charlie Greiveson found himself in the referee’s book for a foul on Dan Savage on halfway as the Robins looked to break quickly. The resulting freekick floated in by Luke Salmon, found the head of Curtis Coppen but unable to guide his effort goal bound.
The Robins using their pace to cause problem for the Benfield defense, the best chance of the half for an equalizer fell to McGowan after good work from Savage, who skipped past two players before seeing his effort blocked by Grainger, the ball rebounding to Ewan McGowan who hit his effort off the post.
Half time upon, the visitors lead intact despite the best efforts of the Robins to find a way back into the game.
The second half began with a blistering start from the Robins, Savage with a mazy run into the opposition penalty area, only to be denied by a last ditch tackle.
More constant pressure applied by the Robins saw McGowan and Matty Telfer with opportunities but unable to find a way past the Benfield defense.
GOAL 67’ Newcastle Benfield – Ben Gaffney
A sucker punch, on top for most of the second half, a counter attack from the visitors released former Robin who found himself in plenty of space to slot the ball beyond Dobson and double their advantage.
Another counter attack almost saw Benfield make it three, but dogged defending from the Robins, nipped the attack in the bud to deny them.
GOAL 83’ North Shields – Matty Telfer
A more than deserved goal for the Robins the ball played into Matty Talfer who composed himself before turning his man and slotting home beyond Grainger to reduce the deficit with less than 10 minutes left on the clock.
In the dying embers of the game, the Robins continuing to press for a leveler, McGowan slipped the ball through to Telfer only to be denied by the outrushing Grainger who was able to deflect the ball to safety.
Deep into stoppage time, one last attack caused a moment of controversy as claims for handball were waved away by the match official following another block from Grainger in goal for the visitor’s.
The game brought to a conclusion to the relief of the visitors who were able to hold on for the win, a much improved performance from the Robins, some great attacking play and really good goal scoring opportunities created.
Once again a massive shout out to the 462 who attended the game, taking the total of both games to 999 spectators, which is an incredible achievement, we hope that you all enjoyed yourselves and continue to show your support in this new chapter for the club.
Also a massive shoutout to North Shields Under 10 girls for being great mascots last night we really hope you enjoyed the game and hope to see you back soon.
North Shields: Dobson, Scandle (Kwak ‘72), Salmon, Coppen, Sloan, Donnelly, McCamley (McGowan ‘21), Downey, Telfer, Holmes, Savage.
Goal Scorers: Matty Telfer ‘83.
Advanced Garage Doors MOTM: Dan Savage
Attendance: 462
Next Game: Seaham Red Star (A), Tuesday 16th January 2024, 7.30pm KO
