Match Report

Super-sub Beddow’s brilliant late double strike seals another three vital points for Priorymen

Guisborough Town 2, Newcastle Benfield 0

(Northern League – Division One)

A brilliant Elliott Beddow brace of goals secured all three points for Guisborough Town against Newcastle Benfield as the Priorymen made it eight league wins out of eight at the Kevin Edward KGV on Saturday,

Guisborough started the game second in the league table after a 2-1 win the previous week at home to West Auckland, and the return of forward Kurtis Howes after a short injury lay-off was a welcome boost for the hosts.

Another excellent performance by the Priorymen against a good Benfield side had Guisborough Manager Nathan Haslam delighted once again. After the match he commented:

“It’s another three points and another clean sheet at the KGV which is obviously becoming a fortress for us this season and long may that continue.

“I thought Benfield did very well today and made it difficult for us in what became quite a sticky affair for us.

“I thought our energy levels weren’t quite there today in the first half but I think the longer the game went on we kept on creating chances and eventually we broke them down.

“When we scored the first goal I thought it was only a matter of time before we scored again and we did so I’m very happy.  The lads found a way to win once again and ended with another clean sheet which is important.

“For Elliott Beddow to come off the bench and score two late goals was brilliant.  It’s the second week running he’s come on as sub and produced the goods for us with goals so I’m delighted for him and he’s certainly knocking on the door for a start.

“Also, it goes to show the squad we have and the way we play them works so long may that continue,” added Nathan.

He praised the Guisborough back line again for their defensive qualities with a “formidable” back line of James Frazer, Dylan McAvoy, Ben Errington and Mason McNeill all helping to keep that all-important clean sheet.

But he added:  “It’s not just our defensive qualities – we’re getting forward in numbers and creating chances which is great to see.”

Looking ahead to the forthcoming next game away to local derby rivals Marske United on Saturday, 4 October Nathan commented:  “Look, it’s a local derby five or six miles down the road  and it’ll be a tough game with everything going out of the window as regards form.

“Marske are going through a tough time at the moment and we’re at the opposite end of the table to them but on the day that means absolutely nothing.  So once again we’ll prepare correctly for the game this next week and while we’re on the crest of a wave at the minute we’ll be doing our best to ensure that continues,” said Nathan.

Guisborough will be facing a Marske team with former player Connor Grant in their side after he moved to the Seasiders on Friday.  Nathan said he had done brilliantly for Guisborough whenever he’d played this season,

But with the strength in depth of the Guisborough side opportunities for him had been limited so Nathan said Connor had gone to Marske “with our best wishes to get some more game time.”

In the match against Benfield, the Priorymen held the majority of possession in the early part of the contest and in the ninth minute they carved out the first chance as James Frazer won the ball back high up the field. He slotted through to the energetic Matty, who fired the ball narrowly wide after a direct and incisive attack from Guisborough.

Willshaw was involved once again after 25 minutes in a Guisborough forward move as he received a great ball on the left flank, drove into the area and pulled the ball back to Josh McDonald, who fired his shot straight at Benfield ‘keeper Oliver Basey.

Moments later it was the visitors’ turn to almost open the scoring, as a close range header was agilely tipped over by Guisborough goalkeeper Ryan Catterick.

But neither side were able to break the deadlock at the halfway stage.

The introduction of Elliott Beddow on the hour, replacing Joe Pickett, was a turning point in the match. Guisborough had been the better team but had not asserted their dominance with a goal.

It was only a short time after he came on that Beddow put Guisborough ahead 73^rd minute when Thomas Birtles cut the ball back for Beddow to smash it emphatically into the bottom corner.

The goal was met with a collective roar from a once again healthy crowd of 353 at the Kevin Edward KGV.

Guisborough’s strong position in the game was further emphasised and the three points sealed with another Beddow goal a minute into time added on.  Receiving a ball over the top and finding himself in acres of space, Beddow glided into the box and slotted the ball clinically and confidently into the bottom corner to complete his brace.

The victory keeps Guisborough right in touch with League leaders Whitley Bay and also extends Town’s remarkable home form to eight consecutive league victories.

Report by James Cowan