Match Report: 03/11/07
Billingham Synthonia 2, Newcastle Benfield BP 1
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
Synners came into the game full of confidence on the back of an 8-game unbeaten run in the league. Benfield, who are many peoples tips for the title this year, unbeaten in 6 league games.
Captain Shaun Hope returned to the starting line-up, replacing the injured Neil Campbell in the heart of defence. James Beaumont also returned, playing wide right with Simon Shaw returning to full-back in replace of Paul Collins.
The visitors started the stronger of the two the teams and set their stall out to attack the Synners defence in the opening exchanges. Billingham's back four however, stood firm and but for an early effort after 5 minutes that went wide were never troubled.
Billingham took the lead after 23 minutes. Colin Iley making a good run before being brought down. Inevitably SIMON SHAW stepped up for the free kick, and in some style, with a brilliant shot into the top corner that left the 'keeper with no chance.
After 35 minutes Shaw was in the thick of the action again as he crossed for Iley at the back post, but Iley couldn't get a good head on the ball.
Benfield were looking strong in midfield and with better finishing could have got an equaliser. One effort on 37 minutes was a good curling shot from outside the penalty area, which seemed to be heading towards the goal with Synners 'keeper John Jackson beaten, but the shot went inches wide.
Synthonia could have extended their lead a minute later when Lee Flanagan made himself a yard in the box only to fire straight at the visiting 'keeper. The ball bounced out for James Beaumont, who headed over the bar.
Benfield came forward again after 39 minutes and a good cross in was met with a header by the Benfield centre forward who headed just wide.
Just before half-time Benfield should again have had the equaliser, but shot straight at Jackson in the Synners goal.
As the players came off the pitch there was a fracas involving players and management staff from both sides near the dug-outs, which was eventually and sensibly calmed down before they reached the tunnel.
Half-time: Synners 1, Benfield 0
Synners came out the stronger of the two teams on the restart, and after 53 minutes were rewarded when a pin-point Beaumont corner from the left was met at the back post by SHAUN HOPE, who picked out the only available spot under pressure to put Billingham two up.
After 58 minutes, Synners were on the attack again. This time Iley attacking from the right flank, laid the ball into the path of Lee Flanagan, but his shot was well saved from close range.
Flanagan returned the favour on 69 minutes as he laid the ball into the path of Iley, but again the shot was straight at the 'keeper. Moments later Michael Jameson tried his luck, but again the 'keeper was on hand as his save went harmlessly behind for a corner.
The last 20 minutes saw Benfield push forward in search of rescuing the game. The Synners defence was getting deeper and at times were happy to just get rid of the ball anywhere. Billingham however, were also threatening on the counter-attack as the visitors pushed more men forward.
Benfield got some reward after 81 minutes when a cross came over from the left and PAUL ANTONY prodded home from close range through a crowd.
Billingham saw out the remainder of the match, and overall matched the fancied visitors in every department. Synners extending their unbeaten run to 11 league and cup games.
Teams:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Atkinson, Shaw, Hope(c), Hanson, Close, Flanagan (Honeyman), Radigan, Beaumont, Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Riches, Parry, Collins, Guy.
NEWCASTLE BENFIELD:
Referee: Mr G Wallace
ATT: 110
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