STALEMATE AT THE GLEBE

Whickham 1-1 Billingham Town – Ebac Northern League Division One

Whickham and Billingham Town fought out a stalemate at the Glebe Sports Complex, in Whickham’s first home game of the season in front of a crowd of 132.

They nearly had something to cheer just eight minutes in, when Scott Robson fired just over from 20 yards out.

Then Billingham Town almost took the lead just three minutes later when Ryan Gooch’s corner was met by James Risbrough, who sent his effort just wide of the post.

The visitors had another great chance to take the lead in the 21st minute as Ashley Lavan dribbled his way through the Whickham defence before seeing his effort well saved by Jack Norton.

Just two minutes later Whickham went in front, when Conor Newton picked up the ball about 30 yards out and sent a thunderous effort into the top corner past Michael Roxburgh.

Billingham responded in the 54th minute, as Daniel Boyle’s volley was cleared off the line before Harry Close fired home the rebound to even up the score.

For much of the second half neither side were able to create any real chances.

Town came close to a winner in the 90th minute, when Matthew Bancroft saw his long range effort well handled by Norton but a draw was seen as a fair result, with both sides picking up their first points of the campaign.

Both are in FA Cup action:  Whickham host Consett at home on Friday night, whilst Billingham host Division One newcomers West Allotment Celtic on Saturday.

Adam Gill