Their Tyneside visitors gained revenge for a heavy home defeat inflicted by Jason Newall’s side back in September and arguably managed the difficult conditions better than Town.

Choosing to play into the wind in the first half, Benfield were clinical in front of goal, although Northallerton fought back bravely to put the result in the balance during an even second period.

Manager Newall chose a new front pairing of Eddie Thomas and Luke McCormack in his side’s first match for 18 days and James Coatsworth was recalled to the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The pattern was set as early as the seventh minute when the visitors took the lead. ‘Keeper Callum Dobson’s clearance hit James Wilson and the winger followed up to put the ball in the net.

Six minutes later, they doubled their advantage. Wilson squared for centre-forward Glen Hargrave, whose cool finish left Dobson no chance.

Town rallied well and there was a let-off for Benfield after 23 minutes when free-kick specialist Nathan Stephenson hit the bar from a delivery outside the box. They duly got their reward six minutes later when centre-back Josh Allen scored his first league goal for Northallerton, rifling home the loose ball after the defence failed to clear a Jack Raper corner.

The high-scoring nature of this encounter continued when Benfield restored their two-goal advantage after 34 minutes. Lewis Orrell tucked the ball away after a mazy run that included a skilful one-two with Wilson.

Then, a minute from the break, Town pegged them back again. Stephenson showed his quality with an absolute beauty of a long-range shot that curled into the net past Benfield 'keeper Thomas Shanley.

Both 'keepers showed their skills with good saves as the wind and rain gathered strength in the second period. The pick was Dobson’s stop from a close-range volley by Wilson in the 50th minute.

Both sides made a flurry of substitutions and Northallerton replacement Alistair Banks was at the centre of heated controversy after 75 minutes. Town’s top scorer appeared to have been pulled back as he ran into the penalty area.

The assistant referee appeared to back home claims for a spot-kick but referee Matthew Rogerson thought differently and Town were denied the chance to draw level.

That decision proved crucial as Benfield rounded off an eventful afternoon with a fourth goal, scored by substitute Ryan Smith, in the last minute of normal time.

“It was a sucker punch not to get the penalty,” said Newall. “We had a few lads battling with injuries and illness and although we’re disappointed with the result, I thought we put in a good shift and we were always in the game.

“Credit where it’s due, we gave it a right good go.”

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Nicholas, Cocks, Coatsworth, Harwood, Allen, Raper (O’Brien 69’), Walker, Thomas (Banks 61’), Stephenson, McCormack (Dixon 62’).

Subs not used: Sims, Galbraith.

Newcastle Benfield: Shanley, Alshabeeb (Russell 46’), Watson, Bennett, Ames, Morton, Fryatt (Smith 59’), Orrell, Hargrave (Zych 88’), Haley (Carr 84’), Wilson (Millington 76’).

Att: 134.

Man of the Match: Tafari Nicholas.