Match Report: 07/11/07
Norton & Stockton Ancients 4, Billingham Synthonia 4
(aet) Norton won 4-3 on penalties
Newton Moor Durham Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Synthonia made the short trip to Norton's Station Road ground having made three changes from the side that beat Benfield the previous weekend. Gary Riches replaced John Jackson in goal, Neil Campbell coming back into the centre of defence and Adam Wheatley making a start at left back.
Norton started the game with intent and should have been ahead inside 2 minutes. Number 11 breaching the Synners rearguard only to see the lobbed effort go over the bar.
The home side didn't need to wait long, as after just 3 minutes MICHAEL DUNWELL came back to haunt Synners after transferring only last week. Blasting in from close range to give Norton the lead.
Billingham's first real chance came after 20 minutes when Michael Jameson had a shot which brought a good save out of the home 'keeper James Briggs.
A minute later Norton had a speculative effort that clipped the cross-bar from the inside right position. Then another chance after 22 minutes when the striker was through one on one with Synners 'keeper Gary Riches, who was off his line quickly to smother the ball.
Norton could have extended their lead after 29 minutes in a spell that belied the respective teams league positions. This time Dunwell sent his shot tamely wide.
After 32 minutes the Ancients deservedly extended their lead. A shot was fired at Riches who made the save, only to see the ball fall to CRAIG LAKE, who made no mistake from close range to side-foot home.
Synners pulled a goal back after 35 minutes when JAMES BEAUMONT sent in a shot that deflected passed Briggs leaving him wrong-footed as the ball went into the net.
Synners finished the half the stronger. First Colin Iley made a good run which resulted in a shot straight at Briggs. Then Brian Close had a pop at goal that Briggs saved but couldn't hold. The ball fell to LEE FLANAGAN to tap in and equalise.
Half-time: Norton & Stockton 2, Synners 2
Billingham started the second half as they finished the first, with a goal. After 49 minutes Neil Radigan sent in a corner from the left that was flicked on by Neil Campbell for BRIAN CLOSE to head in at the back post.
After 53 minutes should have extended their lead as Flanagan was through on goal, he squared the ball to the un-marked Iley who couldn't hit the target as the ball went harmlessly wide. Then 3 minutes later Simon Shaw's free-kick was met with a header from Close that went just over the bar.
Norton were level after 64 minutes when substitute STEVEN ROBERTS received the ball in the penalty area. With his back to goal he controlled the ball before turning and firing into the net passed Riches.
The Ancients could have taken the lead on 77 minutes when a free-kick was sent into the box. The resulting header bringing a good save from Riches.
In what was now an end to end game, Synners came forward a minute later when Michael Jameson played a one-two with Shaw, but his shot went just wide. Then Synners' substitute Marc Parry made a good run from the right only to see his left foot effort into the keeper Briggs' hands.
Straight away Norton were back on the attack. Firstly after 84 minutes a back post header went just wide, then a minute later a good through ball put in Jamie Dawson, who missed the target.
As extra time loomed, in the last minute Close had the chance to finish the game but his shot took a slight deflection to send it just wide of the upright.
Normal-time: Norton & Stockton 3, Synners 3
Norton took the upper hand early in the extra period when DANIEL DAWSON found some space in the box to fire past Riches.
Billingham should have been level after 95 minutes when Iley ran on goal to be cynically brought down on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free-kick saw Shaw's effort high and wide.
After 96 minutes Synners found the equaliser. LEE FLANAGAN given half a yard in the box to make no mistake from close range.
Norton could have gone ahead before the turnaround but Shaw was on hand to make a last gasp tackle.
The second period of extra time saw both teams trying to win the game and avoid the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The nearest effort was for Synners after 110 minutes when a corner was sent in, Campbell stooped low to get a flick-on which was met by Close, but Norton saved the effort on the goal line.
Full-time: Norton & Stockton 4, Synners 4
As is always the case in a penalty shoot-out, it's more about chance than anything else. Norton winning the match with the last kick of the game to go through to the next round.
Teams:
NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Riches, Shaw, Wheatley, Hanson (c), Campbell, Close, Flanagan, Radigan (Parry (Guy)), Beaumont, Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Winspear, Atkinson.
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