SECOND half goals from Owen Murtough and Sam Mannion saw Hexham book their place in the quarter-finals of the Northumberland Minor Cup.

The Northern Alliance Division One won 2-0 at home to Benton Conservative Club, of the North-East Combination League.

But while the result was no surprise, manager Martin Lowes was full of praise for the Newcastle-based side.

“They are a strong side.” he said. “Benton are at the top end of their division and they will do well this season. They have some imposing players in their team and are not easy to play against. This was a good win for us.”

Lowes' words were backed up by a first half deadlock on a heavy pitch, at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre.

“The first half was scrappy,” said Lowes. “Due to recent weather conditions, the pitch was muddy and it was difficult for players to keep their footing.”

Hexham, playing only their second game in five weeks due to to the winter weather forced a save out of the Benton goalkeeper from a set piece.

From 22 yards, Lewis Loughhead fired a free kick through the defensive wall, but the stopper scrambled across his goal to keep the hosts at bay.

With half time approaching, Benton broke away down the right and Hexham keeper Tom Craney came rushing off his line to dive at the feet of a visiting forward.

Both sides continued to make their mark in the second half, and Hexham took the lead after 65 minutes.

After a flowing team move, the ball was played out to Murtough on the right side of the 18-yard box. He cut inside and shot low with his left foot past the advancing keeper.

With 10 minutes to play, Sam Mannion sealed victory. After pressing high up the pitch, the forward gained possession of the ball and found the bottom corner with a shot from the edge of the box.

Hexham return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Rothbury.

“It makes a difference when you’re playing regular football,” said Lowes. “It is what you need for momentum.”