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Match Report: Billingham Synthonia 1-2 Prudhoe YC

Billingham Synthonia 1-2 Prudhoe YC

Prudhoe YC secured a victory on the road with a stellar display against Billingham Synthonia. 

 

Collins Unuareokpa equalised 35 minutes in, just a few minutes after Billingham Synthonia’s Joe Scaife-Wheatley fired his free-kick home.

Lucca Taylor gave YC the lead just before the hour mark and the hosts were unable to find a reply.

Despite Synthonia gaining maximum points against Prudhoe YC last season the away side proved worthy victors and carried on from their 2-0 win against Alnwick Town last week.  

The YC came out the blocks fast and swiftly assumed control of the tie with Jordan Plunkett’s header narrowly denied by Samuel Taylor in the third minute.  

A breakthrough almost came in the 22nd minute. Michael Wright’s strong hold up play unleashed Matt Law, who drove in the box and struck his effort just wide.  

Despite early domination from Prudhoe, Sam Wilson was brought into action with a wonder save from close range, as Ryan Appleby’s header seemed destined for the roof of the net.  

The home side took the lead in the 32nd minute. Scaife-Wheatley’s long ranged free kick evaded the YC wall and flew into the side netting of Wilson’s net despite the goalkeeper getting a leg to the effort.  

Shortly after, Prudhoe were right back in the tie. Unuareokpa yet again glided past several Synthonia defenders and earned a free kick at the by-line. The winger then converted from Freddie Marr’s pinpoint delivery with a glancing header into the bottom right corner. 

Prudhoe dominated the opening exchanges in the second half and won a penalty in the 47th minute after Unuareopka was brought down following an intelligent one-two with Brad Lowes.  

However, Law was unable to capitalise as Taylor guessed right and thwarted the chance of a lead.  

In the 58th minute, the YC deservedly went ahead. Taylor’s volleyed effort rattled home from Liam Dalton’s lofted header across the box.  

A cagey period of the game followed with neither side having any clear-cut chances to change the tide of the fixture.  

There was a sigh of relief for all in blue and white as the referee blew for full time in the 95th minute, ensuring Prudhoe gained a valuable three points away from home.  

Next Friday sees the YC return to Essity Park. They will welcome Redcar Athletic in the opening round of the FA Vase.