By Mark Carruthers
Andy Ferguson believes even discussing Newcastle Benfield as a Northern League Division One play-off contender shows just how far his side have come.
The Lions were sat just above the relegation zone when Ferguson took charge at the MKM Stadium in October – and he wasted little time in putting his own stamp on the squad he inherited.
With a whole host of new additions joining the former Bedlington Terriers manager, there was a fresh feel about Benfield and that brought an impressive upturn in results that has taken them into contention for a play-off place.
Their top five was dealt a blow by a 2-1 home defeat against Easington Colliery on Friday night and results on Saturday have left Ferguson’s men eight points adrift of the play-off spots.
However, the Benfield boss is not getting too disheartened by the loss and stressed his players will learn from the experience they have gained throughout a season of progression.
“It’s ridiculous to be talking about the play-offs when you think about it,” the Benfield boss told The NLP.
“I’ve had texts and calls this week from people saying it’s crazy we are discussing the play-offs and feeling disappointed we aren’t already in there considering we were third or fourth bottom when we came in.
“We’ve done extremely well, we should be happy with where we are and where we could finish – but the flip-side is that the boys are gutted because they know we aren’t too far away.
“They’ll learn, they are a young group and they will learn from it. We knew what was in here when we came in and we brought a few in with us who we know and trust.
“They’re a great group and we have come far.”
Benfield now have a free midweek to prepare for next Saturday’s trip to fellow play-off contenders Kendal Town.
