We took a look at Newcastle Benfield in our latest Match Preview.
Redcar Athletic go to Sam Smith’s Park to close out the year this afternoon, Newcastle Benfield their final adversary of a long and emotional 2024.
WHO ARE YA?
Newcastle Benfield
Based in the Newcastle suburb of Walkergate – north of Walker proper – Brunswick Village FC joined the Northern Football Alliance in 1988.
In the space of just a year, the club experienced wholesale change, moving to their current home at Sam Smith’s Park, whilst adopting the Benfield name.
The Lions won the Northern Football Alliance Premier Division for the second time in 2003, earning back-to-back promotions to earn a place in Northern League Division One, where they’ve since remained.
Benfield have once won the title in their 19 year stay, clinching a league-and-cup-double with two victories over a very sorry Penrith.
CURRENT FORM
An agnostic start to the season as far as league play goes, Newcastle Benfield have enjoyed success beyond their expectations in the Emirates FA Cup.
The Lions this Saturday host Wythenshawe Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the competition, beating Knaresbrough Town, Kendal Town and Prescot Cables for the privilege.
In the opposite corner, the Steelmen succumbed to somewhat of a wobble, but responded in true, emphatic fashion.
Goals from Oscar Fletcher, Bradley Fewster and Jack Blackford put Penrith to the sword, Redcar’s first league victory in three.
PREVIOUS HISTORY
It’s advantage Redcar Athletic in terms of recent head-to-head results between the two clubs.
In September, the Steelmen responded emphatically to a first league defeat to North Shields, hitting five in successive games on the Redcar seafront, including against the Lions.
In fact, Redcar seem to have a goalscoring prowess when it comes to Newcastle Benfield. I’m sure we won’t have to remind you of this instant classic!
Sam Smith’s Park has been home to considerably less goals, but that doesn’t make it an unhappy hunting ground.
Goals from Kevin Burgess and Adam Boyes sealed a simple 2-0 victory on our last visit to Walkergate, then the Steelmen’s last away game of the season.
TEAM NEWS
It’s all but a full cohort at Sam Smith’s Park this afternoon, much to the delight of Carl Jarrett.
The boss said: “I think this is the first time you’ll have heard me say that I have a full group, apart from Kevin Burgess.
“I’ve got an eighteen-man squad to pick from on Saturday. I’ve not had that all season. It just gives me the tools to change things around, and I’m happy about that.”
FINDING THE MKM STADIUM
Joining us on Tyneside this afternoon? Use the postcode NE6 4NU to find The MKM Stadium, otherwise known as Sam Smith’s Park.
READ MORE
Match Gallery: Blyth Spartans 1-4 Redcar Athletic
Our favourite snaps from opening day at Blyth Spartans’ Croft Park.
Carl Jarrett: Post-Match Reaction – Blyth Spartans (a)
The boss spoke to Dave Edler following a commanding win on opening day.
Match Report: Blyth Spartans 1-4 Redcar Athletic
Our report as the Steelmen win at Croft Park on their Pitching In Northern Premier League debut.
