Match Report: 24/03/08
Billingham Town 3, Billingham Synthonia 2
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
Synthonia made the short trip to Bedford terrace with a stretched squad against near neighbours Billingham Town. With injuries and unavailable players, management duo Bobby Scaife and Barney Malone were forced to switch things round.
It was Town who started the brighter and after 4 minutes Steve Flockett was sent through on goal, his effort bringing a good save out of Synners keeper John Jackson.
The hosts had an excellent chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute when Chris Smith had time in front of goal. He mis-kicked and the ball was quickly cleared, giving Synthonia a let off.
It was Synners who took the lead as they gradually got into the game. A 29th minute free-kick 25-yards out from NICK SCAIFE screamed into the net and over the keeper, with Gill given no chance as the speed of the shot beat him for Scaife's first Synthonia goal.
Town came back at Synners with a strong finish to the half and stretching the Synners defence. After 39 minutes Jackson had to be alert to save in a crowd of players after some good work down the right flank from the home side.
Synthonia countered a minute later with Colin Iley being sent clear, but Gill was quickly off his line to collect the ball to prevent Synners taking a further lead.
Billingham Town pushed on, using the right flank to good effect and Jackson again did well to collect the cross under pressure.
The hosts did find an equaliser in the 42nd minute. Captain STEVE HUGGINS given the opportunity to place his shot into the corner of the net leaving Jackson without a chance with a fine shot.
Half-time: Town 1, Synners 1
Town thought they had taken the lead in the 52nd minute when another run down the right stretched the Synthonia rearguard. This time an infringement was flagged for by the Referees assistant as the ball was pulled back from the by-line as a home player slotted the ball in the net.
It was only a matter of time before Town gained the advantage, and after 56 minutes STUART BANKS found himself in acres of space, giving him time to pick out his spot to give the home side the lead.
Synthonia rallied and levelled in the 63rd minute. Steven Baynes adavancing from left back, crossed for substitute ANTHONY ABEL to register his first Synthonia goal as he nipped in to head the ball past a rooted Gill.
Town regained the advantage after 68 minutes. CHRIS SMITH maiking a great run across the Synthonia back line, right to left, and firing a precision shot past Jackson.
Synners came close to drawing level after 72 minutes. The lively Abel made a strong run at the Town defence and found Colin Iley. Gill however, came out well to save at Iley's feet.
The game petered out in the last quarter, with few chances being created by either side.
Again Synthonia came into a derby game short in personel, and it showed, as Town controlled the pace of the game for long periods, with former Synner Andy Harbron and captain Huggins instrumental in the middle of the park. Synners now have to regroup for the midweek trip up to high flying Consett on Wednesday evening.
Teams:
BILLINGHAM TOWN: Gill, Foster, Hutchinson, D Abel, Scott, Huggins (C), Harbron, Yale, Smith, Banks, Flocket.
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Flanagan (A Abel), Baynes, Atkinson, Hanson (c), Cater, N Scaife, Close, Honeyman, Iley, Jameson (Guy). Subs not used; Nixon, Campbell.
Referee: Mr G Eltringham. Assistants: B Gordon & J Marr
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