Match Report: 17/11/07
Billingham Synthonia 2, Ashton Athletic 1
FA Carlsberg Vase 2nd Round
Synthonia welcomed North West Counties League Division 2 side Ashton Athletic to the PTS Stadium for this FA Vase tie.
Billingham could have been a goal up as early as the 6th minute. Colin Iley made a good run at the Ashton defence only to be brought down on the edge of the penalty area. Simon Shaw saw his free-kick hammer the upright with the Ashton 'keeper Paxton beaten.
Ashton had a chance after 11 minutes when a ball over the top of the defence was contested between an Ashton striker and Synners 'keeper John Jackson. Jackson mis-judged the ball but did enough to pressure the striker in sending the ball wide.
After 15 minutes some good work from Iley attacking down the right hand side, saw him lay the ball off to Lee Flanagan, whose effort went over the cross-bar from close range.
Iley was in the thick of the action again after 17 minutes when he forced his way through the visiting defence and fire in a shot under pressure. Paxton saved the shot but the ball fell to Flanagan whose attempt at goal was met with a good block by an Ashton defender.
Ashton, playing a young team and some good midfield football at times were having more of the possession but it was Synners with the better goal attempts.
On 26 minutes Athletic sent in a long throw-in from the right into a packed Billingham penalty area. The ball took a couple of ricochets before going wide for a goal kick.
Synners had another close effort as Flanagan did well to create a yard of space to fire in a shot that brought a good save from Paxton.
The last real chance of the first period was just before half time, when James Beaumont's cross was met by Neil Radigan who's looping header was caught by the goalkeeper.
Half-time: Synners 0, Ashton 0
Billingham had an excellent chance to take the lead after 55 minutes. Flanagan broke down the inside-right channel and squared to an un-marked Iley in the box. The pass was just a little behind Iley who was closed down quickly.
After 66 minutes Synners came forward again when Michael Jameson combined well with Flanagan who laid the ball off to Iley. The striker didn't get the desired connection as the ball went harmlessly wide of the target.
A long range effort from Christian Hanson after 71 minutes flew inches over the bar as the Ashton defence stood firm. Then a minute later Shaun Hope received the ball out left after a Jameson corner. Hope crossed for Flanagan to head just over.
After pressing for the opening goal Synners finally got a reward after 79 minutes. Hanson's centre was met by BRIAN CLOSE to net from close range.
3 minutes later a Jameson corner was headed out by the Ashton defence, only to fall to Close, whose volley at goal went just over the cross-bar.
Ashton should have equalised on 87 minutes when they got a free-kick in a dangerous position. The ball was sent into the penalty area and the resulting header crashed against the bar with Jackson beaten. The ball fell into a bunch of players and somehow, someone got a shot in that went over.
Ashton were made to rue the missed chance as a minute later on 88 minutes Synners extended their lead. A great run by Iley who muscled past three defenders to shoot at the 'keeper. The ball fell to LEE FLANAGAN who coolly slotted home.
Athletic pulled a goal back just before the end of 90 minutes. As they piled players forward, the ball somehow evaded every green and white shirt to be netted from close range by PAUL McVEIGH.
Ashton tried in vain for the leveller in the 2 minutes of added on time. Billingham however, held on to progress to the 3rd round.
Teams:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Shaw, Baynes, Hope(c), Hanson, Close, Flanagan, Radigan (Campbell), Beaumont, Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Riches, Atkinson, Collins, Guy.
ASHTON ATHLETIC: Paxton, Wallace, Aspinall, Burke, Rothwell, Lawton, Hitchen, White, Almond, Gallenders, Townsend. Subs; Shawlock, Hewitt, Lees, Court, McVeigh.
Referee: Mr D Burn
Att: 138
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