Match Report: 21/11/07
Billingham Synthonia 1, Shildon 1
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
It was back to league action this evening as Billingham hosted Shildon at the PTS Stadium. There were two changes from the side that beat Ashton in the FA Vase, with Paul Collins replacing Shaun Hope in the centre of defence, and Neil Campbell returning to the starting line-up.
Synners had an early chance after 6 minutes when Michael Jameson found an opening and shot from distance, only to fire wide.
After 18 minutes the visitors had an excellent opportunity to score as a through ball was contested between the Shildon striker and the advancing Synners 'keeper John Jackson. The striker got there first but sent his effort wide with goal gaping.
Shildon had another opportunity a minute later. The attacking right back Howarth found some space in the penalty area only to blast in to the side netting.
Back up the other end Synners' Steven Baynes found Campbell with his cross, the resulting header went safely into the Shildon 'keeper Spence's arms.
Billingham took the lead after 34 minutes. Campbell broke free on the left and laid the ball to Lee Flanagan, whose shot was blocked. JAMES BEAUMONT was on hand to side foot the rebound into the net through a crowd.
The visitors responded with a couple of attempts at goal. Firstly the ever dangerous Howarth sent in a ball for Raitt to meet , but was straight at Jackson. Then a pass deep into the penalty area brought an opportunity but Jackson kept the lead intact with a good block.
Billingham almost extended their lead on the stroke of half time. A good ball in from the right was teasingly put in to space between the 'keeper and defence. Jameson stretching to get a connection but was just out of reach.
Half-time: Synners 1, Shildon 0
The second half took a while to get going as the two midfields battled for control of the game. Shildon winning the battle when Brian Close had to go off injured.
Shildon almost got the equaliser on 63 minutes with a well worked corner. The ball, sent in low was dummied at the near post and eluded the Synners defence. Substitute Bullyment fired in at the far post, only to send the ball wide.
The visitors, now forcing the play and Billingham being made to play deeper and deeper, had another chance a minute later. The ball again going wide, this time from Moore, without troubling Jackson.
The equaliser was inevitable as Synners struggled to get any sort of play going. A shot was fired in at Jackson on 73 minutes by Niven, Jackson parried and the ball fell for TYSON MASTERS to blast in the rebound.
2 minutes later, Shildon could have took the lead when their striker was through on goal with only Jackson to beat. The Synners stopper stood tall to make the save.
The match petered out in the last 15 minutes, with neither side managing to gain the upper hand.
Teams:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Shaw, Baynes, Collins, Hanson, Close (Guy), Flanagan, Beaumont, Campbell (Radigan), Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Atkinson, Wheatley, Cater.
SHILDON: Spence, Howarth, Mendum, Clarke, Ptak, Clough (Jury), Moore, Raitt, Masters, Gredziak (Bullyment), Niven. Subs not used; Emson, Cowan.
Referee: Mr M McDonough
ATT: 87
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