Match Report: 10/11/07
Spennymoor Town 0, Billingham Synthonia 1
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
Synners were back in league action after the penalty shoot-out exit at Norton & Stockton Ancients, and travelled to the Brewery Field, Spennymoor. The Moors unbeaten at home this season after promotion from Division 2 last term.
The coaching staff made three changes from Norton, Shaun Hope returning to the centre of defence, with Joel Guy making a start in midfield. Former York City player and Billingham lad Steven Baynes made his Synners debut at left-back.
In windy conditions, and a pitch that in places looked like it had seen a plough, it was never going to be a game for the purist.
Spennymoor had the first chance of the game after 4 minutes, when Roberts, who scored against Synners on wednesday for Norton before a transfer to the Moors, ran onto a defence splitting pass by Noble, only to see Gary Riches alert and out of his goal to clear.
Synthonia's first attack came after 10 minutes with Lee Flanagan laying off a good touch for Colin Iley, who was flagged off-side as he tried to hold the line.
After 12 minutes Moors 'keeper Lawson made an error as he attempted to clear a back pass, the ball fell to Flanagan who's shot struck the cross-bar and then gathered by the 'keeper.
Synners defender Simon Shaw made a long pass to Iley after 18 minutes, whose shot went straight at 'keeper Lawson.
Spennymoor had another chance on 27 minutes but Noble sent his shot high and wide without troubling Riches.
The hosts had a great chance to take the lead after 37 minutes when Roberts was one on one with the 'keeper. Riches again was out quickly to make a save at the strikers feet.
Synners' Brian Close then had a shot from 25 yards that the 'keeper parried out for a corner. Then Roberts was in the action again but his shot was blocked by Hope.
The first half ended goalless with both sides unable to capitalise on their chances.
Half-time: Spennymoor 0, Synners 0
Synners, kicking downhill towards the 'tin-shed end' in the second half were under pressure as the home side took the game to the visitors.
After 51 minutes Johnstone hit a curling shot that was going in before Riches saved well to his left and out for a corner.
A minute later Noble shot from outside the area which Riches was again a match for. This time diving to his right to make a fantastic save and out for another corner.
Synners almost took the lead after 54 minutes when James Beaumont had a crack at goal that hit the inside of the post and rolled agonisingly across the goal line before being cleared.
After 57 minutes a Spennymoor corner was sent in which Roberts met at the back post, only to see his header go just wide.
Then 3 minutes later a Moors striker shot from distance only to see his effort go wide. The home side had another chance after 65 minutes, heading the ball at goal but straight at Riches.
Synners almost scored when Simon Shaw sent a free-kick into the penalty area which after a flick-on was headed towards goal by Iley, only to see it into 'keeper Lawson's arms.
Billingham scored the only goal of the game after 81 minutes. SIMON SHAW stepped up to take a free-kick 20 yards out. and un-leashed an unstoppable shot that flew into the back of the net with the 'keeper rooted.
The last ten minutes saw Spennymoor pile on the pressure in search of the equaliser. With numerous corners coming in, 'keeper Riches catching everything that was sent in with some good handling, and the defence standing strong to ensure the three points.
Synners are now unbeaten in ten League games that stretches back two months. An impressive performance by Riches, as well as Hope and Christian Hanson in the centre of defence with Baynes fitting into the side well with a good debut. Synners take a short break from the league and go into FA Vase action next with the visit of North Western Counties League Division 2 side Ashton Athletic to the PTS Stadium next Saturday.
Teams:
SPENNYMOOR TOWN: Lawson, Roulston (Manson), Wilkinson, Ward, Foster(c), Dixon, Noble, Robinson, Roberts (Lawther), Johnstone, Richards. Subs not used; Clough, Ainsley, Davis.
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Riches, Shaw, Baynes, Hope(c), Hanson, Close, Flanagan, Guy (Campbell), Beaumont, Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Collins, Atkinson, Winspear, Wheatley.
Referee: Mr E Martin
ATT: 171
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