Bedlington Terriers FC

Bedlington Terriers overcame dogged resistance from visitors Team Northumbria on Saturday, to eventually run out 5-1 winners at Welfare Park in their penultimate friendly game ahead of their opening League game this weekend.

After Tony Shandran had opened the scoring with a fine header, opposing striker levelled the scores with a superb volley which game Terriers keeper Newton no chance. Bedlington finally wore down the Division Two side, scoring 4 goals in the final hour, with Scott Robson restoring the lead from close range. Shandran added his second and a quick fire brace from McAlindon game the final score a slightly flattering look.

The only downside was the departure from the field of key player Steve Bowey with a suspected hamstring injury, but all in all it was a good workout for the much changed Bedlington squad, who bounced back quickly after their disappointing 3-1 defeat at Jarrow Roofing in midweek.

After playing three games as a ‘triallist’, ex-Blyth Spartans defender Ben Christensen finally put pen to paper following the final whistle to further strengthen the defensive area. The need for this was evidenced last season, when for several months of the campaign, managers Lowery and Perry were forced into naming makeshift back lines.

Even in this pre-season, there have been games where the defence has been populated either entirely by full-backs, with a sprinkling of midfielders - further underlying the importance of having strength in depth.