Match Report: 01/12/07
Billingham Synthonia 1, Washington 0
Arngrove Northern League Division 1
Synners welcomed Washington to The PTS Stadium on the back of two defeats. John Jackson returned from holiday to take his place in goal, With Michael Cater making his first start since mid-october.
Washington had an opportunity to take the lead after 13 minutes when a mis-kick by Simon Shaw let in visiting player McBryde to shoot at Jackson, who stood tall to block the effort. A minute later Washington had another chance that was blocked by a Synners defender.
In a first period that saw little in the way of goal attempts, indeed the two officials running the line were a little flag happy with debatable offside decisions for both sides to prevent any attempts. The visitors did get an opportunity when a long ball in from the left was cut out to go behind for a corner after 29 minutes.
Unbelievably, Billingham's first real chance fell after 39 minutes played. A 25-yard free kick from the left by Shaw bringing a good save out of the Washington goalkeeper Starford, who tipped the ball over the bar as it was heading into the net.
Half-time: Synners 0, Washington 0
Synners came out for the second half and immediately looked to put the visitors on the back foot. After 50 minutes James Beaumont had a shot just outside the penalty area that was deflected wide for a corner.
Then after 59 minutes a Michael Jameson corner fell to substitute LEE FLANAGAN, who bundled the ball over the line from close range after a flick-on from Shaun Hope.
Washington had a good spell of pressure mid-way through the half, but without getting close to Synners 'keeper Jackson, as Hope and Christian Hanson in the centre of the Billingham defence dealt comfortably with any balls sent in. The closest the visitors came was a free-kick from Marron that went inches wide of the post.
Synthonia's Colin Iley made a good run after 84 minutes but couldn't get a decent connection on his shot to trouble Starford. A minute later Washington gained a corner that was met with a free header that went over the cross-bar.
Synners had an excellent chance to kill the game after 88 minutes. Flanagan's speed saw him go through with only the 'keeper to beat. Flanagan opted to round the 'keeper who recovered well to thwart him, Jameson picked up on the loose ball but the chance was gone.
The visitors almost grabbed a late eqauliser in injury time. A long throw-in from the right was met with a goalmouth scramble, with a couple of shots being blocked on the line before being cleared.
Synners ground out a result without playing particularly well, with the defence standing firm to deny the visitors many chances. The players won't need telling that an improved performance will be needed to overcome next saturday's visit of Dunston Federation in the FA Vase. But, after two consecutive defeats, a grafting performance was shown when needed.
Teams:
BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA: Jackson, Shaw, Baynes (Collins), Hope(c), Hanson, Close, Beaumont, Cater, Campbell (Flanagan), Iley, Jameson. Subs not used; Atkinson, Radigan, Guy.
WASHINGTON: Starford, McKenna, Lee, Marron, Preston, Mouter, Reay, Jones, Milner, Moat, McBryde. Subs; Smart.
Referee: Mr M Dicicco
ATT: 107
< Fixtures/Results
| 
