Match Report 2/9/2023
Billingham Synthonia 1, Bedlington Terriers 2

Ebac Northern League Division 2

Teams:
Billingham Synthonia: O Simpson, Lines, Winstanley, Banki (Boyce), A Simpson, Heap (Butterfield), Porritt, Travers (C) (Wilson), Willshaw, Bruton (S Johnson), Noble (Ferguson).
Bedlington Terriers: Hogan, Dinsley (C), Watson, Harvey, Morton, Hayton, Thompson, Anderson, Ames, Franklin, Clark. Subs; Carr, Richardson, Price, Imeson, Rutherford.

Synthonia welcomed Bedlington Terriers to Stokesley Sports Club with the visitors taking home the three points in a close fought game.

Early chances for Synners saw McKellan Lines send in a free-kick where Alfie Simpson had an effort on goal blocked by a defender before keeper Michael Hogan collected. Alex Bruton then tried a shot from the left which went wide of the far post.

It was Bedlington who scored first when, in the 19th minute, a low cross into the box from the right came to KIERAN CLARK who fired into the net from close range.

Simpson came close again for Billingham when he headed on goal from a Mitch Noble corner only to see his effort blocked on the goal line with the Terriers scrambling away the loose ball. Matty Willshaw then tried a long range free-kick on goal which Hogan was able to save.

Synners continued to look for a leveller with Willshaw turning a defender but again saw Hogan deny him with the save from an outstretched leg. Bedlington then threatened with Clark again seeing sight of goal, but his shot was comfortably collected by Billingham keeper Ollie Simpson.

Half-time: Synners 0, Bedlington Terriers 1

The Terriers advanced early after the restart with Joseph Thompson making a strong run, but saw his shot over the bar. Synthonia levelled the game up soon after though with Noble playing from the left into the danger area and the ball fell for LEWIS PORRITT to score from close range in the 51st minute.

With the game finely poised, Noble had a chance for Synners as he shot wide from the left. Bedlington then advanced and regained the lead in the 65th minute with KIERAN CLARK bursting into the box on the left and sending in a low shot into the far corner of the net.

The visitors had chances to make it three with a Joe Ames header inches wide of the target then a free-kick in a central position from skipper Sam Dinsley went just over the bar.

There were chances for both sides as the game came to a close with Porritt threatening for Synners as he tried to set up Willshaw in front of goal but Hogan was alert as he pounced on the ball. Clark for Bedlington was then denied a hat-trick as he saw Simpson save his shot from the right. The last chance came to the Terriers as Adam Harvey sent in a great strike on goal which Simpson brilliantly tipped over the bar.

Full-time: Synners 1, Bedlington Terriers 2

Referee: T Ross. Assistants: M Thornton, H Cairns.

Attendance: 85

Match highlights from SynnersTV on YouTube