A youthful United Reserve side kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 win at Sam Smith’s Park against a hard working and spirited Benfield. After an even half hour, Kazenga LuaLua drove forward down the left, cut inside and shot, with a deflection taking the ball past the Benfield keeper to give United the lead. Just two minutes later the advantage was doubled as James Marwood this time cut in from the right and struck the ball beyond Grainger.

However just a matter of minutes later it was all-square again as Benfield first found the net from the spot after a blatant foul, then managed to bundle the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble, meaning it was 2-2 at the break.

Despite Benfield’s efforts, they were to go away empty handed, as just 10 minutes from the end Mark Bertram’s shot was again deflected past the unfortunate Grainger to restore United’s lead, and they held that advantage to the end.

Main positives on the night were the performances of a couple of men inparticular: LuaLua, who showed his quality all over the field with impressive forward play complemented by his willingness to track back and work for the team; and Fraser Forster, with the giant keeper who has come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months making some excellent saves and looking assured when dealing with crosses, which had been a weakness in the past, as had his kicking which has also improved a lot. Terry Gennoe and Lee Clark were very impressed, as was I. James Marwood also stood out, while Jonny Godsmark was a constant threat down both flanks as ever, while Frank Wiafe Danquah worked hard upfront.

NUFC: Forster, Bertram, Lough, Morris, Francis, Doninger, Marwood, Barnett (McLaughton 78), Wiafe Danquah (Neary 72), LuaLua, Godsmark