Match Preview – Wednesday 24th September 2014
NEWCASTLE BENFIELD vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE
Sam Smith’s Park. 7.30pm.
By Paul McGeary
Newton Aycliffe are once again on their travels as they go to Newcastle Benfield hoping to build on Saturday’s victory over Billingham Synthonia.
Sam Smith’s Park has never been a happy hunting ground for Allan Oliver’s Aycliffe side, who have only taken one point from their previous three visits since winning promotion in 2011.
Benfield started the season as many people’s surprise package, especially with them hanging on to prize assets Paul Brayson and Mark Convery, two players with hundreds of football league games between them.
The blue and whites find themselves in the bottom three, having won just once in their seven league outings, but by contrast are still in the FA Cup after crushing victories over higher league opponents in Bridlington and Kendal Town.
It may well be the FA Cup distraction that allows Oliver’s side to capitalise, as Benfield travel to Buxton on Saturday following this game, and may have one eye on the prize money and scalp on offer.
Oliver is still trying to rebuild his squad after a series of high-profile departures under the previous management regime, and will go to Benfield with just 15 players once more, as he works on a couple of signings which should be complete in time for the weekend.
Tale of the tape
Key Man: Zak Boagey
One to Watch: Michael Riley
Familiar Faces: N/A
Form Guide: Newcastle Benfield DWLLWL Newton Aycliffe WLLLLW
Last Season: 4-2
