NORTHWICH Victoria’s run in the FA Vase continued when they eliminated Newcastle Benfield, one of the bookmakers’ favourites, on Saturday.

Steve Wilkes’ side take their place in a draw for the last 16 as a reward.

The visitors’ success, a fifth in this season’s edition, was built on a first-half display that saw them establish a three-goal interval lead.

They moved in front when Joel Brownhill punished goalkeeper Andrew Grainger for a poor clearance, sending the ball sailing into the net before celebrating his 17th goal of the campaign.

Harvey Whyte headed a second when he connected with Rob Doran’s hooked cross and Matty Clarke looped his own header into the corner, this time after Whyte had turned provider, to add to his side’s advantage.

Newcastle cursed their luck when Jake Orrell’s drive from distance crashed against the crossbar.

Mark Turnbull raised their hopes when he scored on 74 minutes before Vics custodian Danny Taberner produced his best to deny substitute Dennis Knight.

Benfield’s replacement did narrow a gap between the teams on the scoreboard further when his low shot found the net but Vics resisted late pressure – and a strong penalty appeal – from their hosts before celebrating reaching the fifth round on only their second appearance in the competition.