Match Report: 11/08/07
Billingham Synthonia 2, West Allotment Celtic 0
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
SYNTHONIA almost scored within the opening 60 seconds of the new season as Neil Radigan floated a free kick into the box, Jason Honeyman nodded it on and Colin Iley stretched but turned it just over from six yards out.
And in a bright opening spell polished Synners piled on the pressure with some crisp passing moves that cut into the box and forced Celtic into some frantic defending.
Synners threatened again on 14 minutes when a Radigan low shot into the box was turned goalwards by Iley but it deflected wide of a surprised defender.
Then a 35-yard Radigan free kick dipped towards the near post forcing the keeper to scramble across and fumble it behind for a corner.
Synners suffered a blow on the half hour as debutante Lev Yalcin had to limp off clutching a hamstring with Craig Perry coming on.
The visitors started to come into the game more and won a series of corners but Synners keeper John Jackson collected comfortably every time.
And just before the break Celtic had their first shot on goal as Hay broke quickly onto a ball over the top but fired just over from 20 yards.
Half-time: Synners 0, West Allotment 0
After a scrappy start to the second half Synners finally broke through with a deserved goal on 54 minutes.
Radigan ripped in a corner from the left and skipper SHAUN HOPE climbed highest to power home a header from six yards out.
And Synners went close again from another flag kick on the hour as new boy Dominic Gamble cut it back to Radigan who chipped to the far post for Perry to head just wide.
The visitors almost hit back quickly as Hay tricked to the edge of the box to rifle in a stinging shot but keeper Jackson did well to tip over.
A minute later Hay threatened again but Christian Hanson charged down his shot in the box.
And with ten minutes left Celtic went close again as a Synners attack broke down and a quick ball forward sent Douglas bursting to the edge of the box only to send his low shot beyond keeper Jackson and sizzling outside the post.
Then after a furious scramble in the Synners box Hanson dived in bravely to block a ten-yard pile driver from Locker.
But having survived the scare Synners went straight up the other end to seal the victory on 86 minutes as Campbell got down the right then crossed for COLIN ILEY to ghost in at the far post and side foot home.
By Anthony Vickers. Source: gazettelive.co.uk
Teams:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Close, Gamble, Hope, Hanson, Cater, Honeyman (Hamilton), Radigan, Campbell, Iley, Yalcin (Perry). Subs not used; Guy, Atkinson, Riches.
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC: Ames, Houlsby, Pattison, Brown, Hughes, Locker, Watson, Dixon, Hay, Douglas, Dawson. Subs; Fenwick, Mills, Houllier, McDonald, York.
REFEREE: Mr G Eltringham (Silksworth).
ATT: 108
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