Colliers back to winning ways against Synners

Easington Colliery returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win at home to Billingham Synthonia on Friday night.

Josh Barnett put the Colliers ahead in just the second minute, and a second half Liam McBryde brace, including a penalty, helped the Colliers to the points against the ten men of Synthonia.

McBryde, Ant Lowerson and Jay Roper all returned to the starting XI for the Colliers, and the latter had a big chance within the opening 65 seconds. What looked like a shot turned into a cross to find Roper unmarked at the back post, but his shot was well saved by Ollie Simpson.

Still inside the opening two minute, the Colliers broke the deadlock. Barnett took aim from 22 yards out, and his well struck effort picked out the bottom corner.

Despite the Colliers starting well, Synthonia came back into it, and they were soon the better team. Lowerson, who was impressive in the Easington goal all game, produced a number of saves in the opening half hour to prevent Carl Williams, Matty Willshaw and Jack Winstanley, with Williams denied by Lowerson on three occasions.

McBryde, Matty Weirs and Denny Tapping all had chances for the Colliers towards the end of the first half, and by this point, the Colliers seemed to have somewhat weathered the Synthonia storm.

In the second minute of first half added time, Synthonia were reduced to 10 men. The already booked Lewis Porritt put a boot to the face of Dane Eltringham who was already on the floor, and he was never going to be staying on the pitch after that, especially after already being cautioned. He was shown a second yellow, but it could have been a straight red.

With an extra player, the Colliers were firmly in control in the second half. Callum Stanton went close four minutes in when a long range effort dipped narrowly over, before the Colliers were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half. Roper rounded the goalkeeper who clipped him in the process. It sent Roper off balance, but he tried to stay on his feet and slot the ball into the net. His shot was blocked by a backtracking defender, and so the referee pulled it back for a penalty. McBryde put the penalty straight down the middle to double the Colliers lead.

And, just a minute later, it was three. The Synthonia goalkeeper was once again rounded, this time by McBryde, and this time, McBryde tucked the ball into the net.

Three goals up, the Colliers were happy.

A few changes were made later in the second half, with Luke Pearn, Tommy Best and Tom Hunter introduced, and Pearn in particular was causing chaos on the right. His magic feet were beating Synthonia every time, but there was just something not quite right at the end every time to make it four.

The second half was quieter for Lowerson in the Easington goal, but he was still forced into a couple of smart stops, most notably to prevent Willshaw’s driven free-kick.

All round, it was a good performance from the Colliers, and it was a bounce back to form after two disappointing defeats recently.

Full-time: Easington Colliery 3-0 Billingham Synthonia

Next up for me is Hull City vs Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

Easington Colliery: Lowerson, Barnett, Eltringham, Elliott (c) (Hunter, 81′), Forster, Nelson, Stanton (Best, 66′), Tapping, McBryde, Weirs, Roper (Pearn, 66′)

Unused subs: Bowman, Richards

Billingham Synthonia: Ollie Simpson, Lines, Mcleod, Lavan, Alfie Simpson (c), Heap (Kirkbirde, 66′), Porritt, Winstanley (Wilson, 73′), Williams, Willshaw, Noble (Travers, 66′)

Unused subs: Dalgleish, Tucker

Admission: £5 adults, £3 concessions

Programme: £1.50

Attendance: 222

Referee: David Fittes