Chester-le-Street gained a valuable point from a 1-1 draw against Newcastle Benfield. Chester made a dream start when they took the lead in the 2nd minute. A defender misplaced a headed clearance straight to Nathan Fisher and he made no mistake as he slipped the ball past keeper Andrew Grainger. Benfield nearly equalised after 15 minutes when John Campbell cut in front left to fire in a shot which was deflected just past the far post. Chester should have doubled their lead after 17 minutes when a quick break caught out the Benfield defence. Ben Johnson broke clear from the half-way line with only one defender back. He raced down the wing, but with Nathan Fisher waiting unmarked in the middle, Johnson fired his shot into the side netting. After 29 minutes Dean Nicholson made a break down the left and slipped the ball out to John Campbell. His cross found Nicholson but he sliced his shot well wide of the target. Chester created another good chance after 39 minutes when Robbie Bird made ground down the left, cut inside to hit a low cross towards the far post where Ben Johnson was waiting, but a defender nipped in to turn the ball for a corner. Cheater should have increased their advantage a minute later when Nicholas Kane played a good ball inside to Rob Draper but his firm shot was well saved by Grainger. Benfield put Chester under a lot of pressure in the second half which brought an equaliser after 59 minutes. Robert Palmer made a poor clearance which saw the ball quickly returned to Stephen Young in space and he slipped the ball past Ian Aitken. Benfield continued to press forwards and Chester had to defend a series of corners. From the first Alu Bangura saw his header deflected for another corner. From this one Bangura saw his header come down off the bar and Rod Draper managed to clear. After 70 minutes, John Campbell hit a low, diagonal ball to the far side but Stephen Young was unable to make any contact. Chester then had Ian Aitken to thank for a double save to keep them in the game. Benfield went down to ten men after 88 minutes when Phil Lumsden was sent off for his second yellow card. Another good,, battling performance with a very welcome point.
Team: Ian Aitken, Luke Gilhespy, Robert Palmer (Michael Allan, 88 mins). Kyle Bird, Andy Armstrong, Scott Donaldson, Nicholas Kane, Robbie Bird, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, Ben Johnson (Craig Nesbitt, 84 mins). Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, John Murray, Alexander McKenzie.
Crowd: 82
Referee: Mr. P. Keogh, Bedlington
Assistants: Mr.M. Hobson, Stockton & Mr. C. Keightley, Middlesbrough