Newcastle Benfield Tardini U10 Sunday Secure 3-1 Win Over Cramlington United

Newcastle Benfield Tardini u10 Sunday hosted Cramlington United Juniors U10 Lions 2 at Benfield Sports Centre on 21 December 2025, with kick-off at 12:30pm. In a lively 7-a-side league encounter lasting 50 minutes plus added time, Newcastle Benfield Tardini emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline.

The hosts lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying Ollie Lattimer in goal to marshal the defence. James Rutherford and Oliver Moore took up the two central defensive roles, tasked with providing solidity at the back. Ahead of them, the midfield trio consisted of Tom Slater on the left, Parker Buglass centrally, and Elias Rowland on the right, expected to link defence and attack while supporting both phases of play. Leading the line was striker Lewis Coates, whose role was to spearhead the attack and convert chances. Jaxson Medland was named among the substitutes.

The game started in favour of Cramlington with them striking the crossbar twice and forced Latts into a good save. However just six minutes in, Tom Slater delivered a corner that sparked a frantic goalmouth scramble, allowing James Rutherford to pounce from close range and open the scoring. The early breakthrough was a testament to the team’s attacking intent and set the tone for the match.

Only six minutes later, Rutherford was again influential, this time with a long pass that led to a defensive error from Cramlington United Juniors. After great pressure from Lewis Coates upfront,the opponents’ own goal doubled the home side’s advantage. (Lewis is credited with the goal, as we dont do own goals on our stats!)

Newcastle Benfield Tardini continued to dominate proceedings and in the 17th minute, Lewis Coates added a third goal. The striker was alert to a loose ball in the box and calmly tapped in with his right foot from close range, extending the lead and putting the hosts firmly in control.

Tactical adjustments followed shortly after when Jaxson Medland replaced Elias Rowland on the right wing at the 20-minute mark. This substitution aimed to refresh the midfield dynamics and maintain the team’s attacking momentum.

The first half concluded at 25 minutes with Newcastle Benfield Tardini comfortably ahead 3-0, having asserted control through a blend of organised defence and incisive attacking play.

Cramlington United Juniors responded early in the second half, pulling a goal back in the 32nd minute. Their strike came from close range and was described as a fluke, with the ball deflecting fortuitously into the net off a right-footed effort, offering the visitors a glimmer of hope. However it was Benfield who would go on to dominate the chances forcing the Cramlington goalkeeper into a number of saves to keep the scoreline down.

Newcastle Benfield Tardini made another tactical switch at the 40-minute mark, reinstating Elias Rowland on the right wing in place of Jaxson Medland. This change sought to regain the rhythm and energy in midfield as the match entered its closing stages.

Despite the visitors’ efforts to claw back, Newcastle Benfield Tardini held firm to secure a 3-1 victory. The team’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive in this competitive league fixture.

A deserving shoutout to the back three of Latts, James and Ollie who were solid as a rock. Parker in centre midfield running the show and driving the team forward at every opportunity. Elias and Jaxson gave the Cramlington full back a torrid time with their constant drive and battle while Tom and Lewis both ran their socks off and continued to force Cramlington players into mistakes with a constant press.

Lewis Coates was named player of the match, recognised for his pivotal role in attack and his crucial goal that helped seal the win for Newcastle Benfield Tardini u10 Sunday.

Thought from Co-Manager Latts: " What a top draw performance with a brilliant work ethic. The lads played brilliantly. Santa arrived early to deliver Cramlington Lions a taste of revenge from earlier in the season.