Newcastle Benfield vs Ryhope CW: Match Preview

Sunderland Ryhope CW v Newcastle Benfield

Northern League First Division Cup Semi Final

Ryhope Recreation Ground

Saturday 23rd April 2022

Newcastle Benfield head to Sunderland Ryhope on Saturday afternoon with a cup final place the prize for the winners (15.00 kick off).

FORM GUIDE

Col Stromsoy’s side suffered a 2-1 reverse at home to Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday evening in their final league game of the season. Although Paul Brayson had given the Lions a half time lead thanks to a trademark strike just before the interval, Aycliffe turned things around in the second half with efforts from Ben Reay and Callum Munro sealing the points.

The lads have reached this stage of the competition having seen off Northallerton Town, Seaham Red Star and Newton Aycliffe.

Sunderland Ryhope CW meanwhile have also completed their league campaign like Benfield and currently sit in 5th position. Our hosts are guaranteed a top 6 finish but final league placing will be decided after West Auckland who are in 6th play North Shields, also on Saturday. League position alone would deem this to be a fantastic season for Ryhope but a rather large cherry was added to their cake on Wednesday evening with a penalty shootout Durham Challenge Cup final victory over Crook Town to lift the trophy.

TEAM NEWS

Neither side have any suspensions to consider.

Having previously left the field at West Allotment as a precaution, Dennis Knight returned against Newton Aycliffe, however, Col and his management team will be checking on one or two other players who are carrying late season knocks. Peter Glen-Ravenhill remains sidelined.

Sunderland Ryhope CW will review their options after the dust settles from Wednesday and will likely select from the same pool on duty that evening.

LAST MEETING

Saturday 9th April 2022

Ryhope Recreation Ground - attendance 100

Ebac Northern League Division One

Sunderland Ryhope CW 3 (Ellis, Wallace, Trewick) Newcastle Benfield 1 (McGorrigan)

An afternoon to forget for Benfield as an early James Ellis penalty set our hosts up for a comfortable victory. The one consolation for the Lions was a brilliant strike from Ryan McGorrigan who lashed a second half effort into the roof of the net.

NEXT UP

The winners will face Ashington in the final with date, time and venue to be determined once the Northern League know the identity of the second finalists. For the losers, next game will be first pre-season friendly in July.

GROUND GUIDE/POSTCODE

Address - Ryhope Recreation Ground, Ryhope Street, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0AB

The ground is tucked behind Ryhope Cricket Club and there is a small car park just as you approach the site. Street parking is also an option but please respect local residents. For pre match drinks the neighbouring Cricket club is welcoming and has a fully stocked bar. Once inside the ground there is a canteen window which offers standard matchday refreshments, including food and hot/cold drinks.

It would be good to see as many supporters as possible making the trip on Saturday. The team appreciate the support they receive and will need that extra backing as they look to secure a place in the final.