Opening day delight for Yarm and Eaglescliffe as they start of division one with a strong 2-1 win over Newcastle Benfield at Bedford Terrace.

A well worked team goal and a strong penalty were enough to see past the visitors as Y&E claim a first 3 points of the campaign. Match report from Jo Mccue

Thanks for match sponsor The Cleveland Bay and matchball sponsor Tooth Express

A nervy start for both sides in this opening game saw Y&E settle into it quicker creating a few opening chances with Dan Jones almost getting the opener just two minutes in. Then just minutes later Josh Marshall won the ball from a poor goal kick in played it out wide too Jack Dalton who goes on a lovely run beating his man and playing a wonderful ball in which Sam Conway puts away to score his first goal of the season.

Full of confidence after the first goal Y&E would battle on creating more chances and piling the pressure on including a lovely, flicked header by Joe Dalton which called the keeper to make a brilliant save. A few more chances go begging for Y&E without reply from Benfield until they pile the pressure on Cal in goal and win the ball in the box, but their effort is cleared off the line. A rough challenge from Josh Marshall sees him go into the book as well as the Benfield captain who disliked the challenge and pushed Josh to the ground just before half time.

As the second half tensions would rise but it would be Sam Conway who would beat the keeper and knock it round him, but his effort is cleared off the line. Benfield would start to work into the game more creating more chances with Cal having to tip one round the post. A kick to Cam Wilds head sees Y&E win a penalty mid-way through the second half with one Benfield player receiving a sin bin for some bad language towards the referee because of the penalty being given. Up stepped Tom Atkinson and you know the rest as he buried the penalty to open his account for the season and no doubt, we will see many more this year from him.

Another good few chances from Y&E would follow but after a good few changes for Benfield and a re-shuffle up top, they would get a goal back to make an interesting final 10 minutes. Benfield would throw everything they have at getting the equaliser, but Y&E would stand strong and keep them out to win their first game of division one.

Thanks to home kit sponsors Yarm Distillery Orchard Roofing & Building Icon Plastics

Man of the Match sponsored by The Keys Yarm – Restaurant ightclub was midfield Maestro Charlie Fixter

It was also fellow midfield maestro Joe Dalton’s 200th game for the Y&E. Joe is sponsored by Renner Kompressoren this season. He is one hell of player and has been with us since our days in the North Riding League. Mr Vesatile – he’s played in every outfield position and he is a cracking lad as well. A true club legend, he joins Cam Wild and brother Jack Dalton in the 200 club!

After a strong start to life in division one Y&E travel to Horden CW next as we look to build on this good start.