THREE GOALS, THREE POINTS
West Auckland Town 3-0 Billingham Town – Ebac Northern League Division Two
A clinical performance from West Auckland Town saw them claim victory over Billingham Town at The Wanted Stadium in Division One of the Northern League.
After an uneventful first 15 minutes, the game came to life when West Auckland took the lead through Liam Potter.
Anthony Bell’s corner was met by the head of Potter, who guided his header past Michael Roxburgh in the Billingham goal.
The home side pushed for a second and almost got it in the 21st minute, when Jordan Blinco cut inside past two defenders before firing his effort just wide of the post.
West Auckland got their second 35 minutes in through captain Gary Brown – his header from Evan Horwood’s free kick leaving Roxburgh stranded – giving his side a commanding lead.
The offensive onslaught from the home side continued two minutes later, as some neat passing from Blinco and Bell set up David Dowson who curled the ball home past Roxburgh from the edge of the area, to give his side a three goal lead at the half time break.
The hosts almost added a fourth in the 63rd minute, when Horwood fired his long range effort just wide of the post from 30 yards out.
In the 85th minute Billingham came the closest they had all night to scoring, when Matthew Garbutt’s deflected free kick struck the bar.
Billingham had another chance just a minute later, when Oliver James’ header from a Garbutt corner was clawed away by Ross Coombe to keep his side’s lead intact, despite shouts the ball had crossed the line.
West Auckland Town visit local rivals Bishop Auckland in their next match, whilst Billingham Town visit Crook Town.
Adam Gill
