ANY hopes Bedlington Terriers harboured of claiming an Ebac Northern League double ended in last night’s derby against Newcastle Benfield, who finished 2-1 winners in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup.
The visitors are 16th in the table and third-top Bedlington were favourites, but it was Benfield who struck first after only 15 minutes.
The opening goal was a spectacular solo effort by Sam Norris, who ran down the left flank before driving the ball into the net from 20 yards.
Just before the half-hour mark Terriers levelled with an equally fine attempt from Martin Brittain, whose free-kick from outside the box beat the wall and goalkeeper Andrew Grainger.
Benfield hit back, Micky Deverdics claiming the winner with a cross that found its way into the net.
Durham City extended their winning form when they went nap against Seaham Red Star at New Ferens Park.
When goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook brought down Connor Winter, Ollie Hodgkiss converted the eighth-minute penalty before two goals in four minutes from Scott Fenwick and Gary Shaw effectively ended Seaham’s hopes.
Paul Kane managed a consolation for the visitors, who then conceded another twice to Fenwick (pen) and Max Stoker.
Dunston UTS went through at the expense of Jarrow Roofing, who despite losing by a four-goal margin, gave their First Division opponents a good game.
UTS went in front on eight minutes with a lucky break. Terry Galbraith’s 40-yard free-kick took a wicked bounce over goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael.
Lee McAndrew headed in a free-kick from Galbraith and yet another dead-ball kick by Galbraith was converted by Chris Swailes.
McAndrew added the fourth goal after Jarrow’s Jamie Marshall had rattled the woodwork.
Birtley Town failed to make home advantage count when their tie was switched from Celtic Nation, whose ground was unfit.
Kevin Dixon gave Birtley the advantage but from then on the Cumbrians dominated, especially after Craig Marron was sent off after an hour.
Ryan Errington (2), Nathan Porritt, Lee Hoolickin and Craig Wilson (pen) all beat goalkeeper Andrew Mallinson.
South Shields saw off Alnwick Town’s challenge with goals by Chris Feasey, Adam Bell and Johnny Wightman (2). Danny Thompson and Alex Makin had levelled for the Northumbrians.
MALCOLM PRATT
