Tow Law (5) vs (4) Billingham Synthonia, Tuesday 22nd September 2009

Tow Law – SS Bishop, Atwell, C Bishop(c), Mudd, Tobin, Salmon (Turner), Renshaw, Gott, Innes (Benjamin), Thompson, Eccles (Teasdale). Subs not used; Sullivan, Oliver.

The Lawyers came forward after 6 minutes when Gavin Mudd played the ball right to Lee Innes. He crossed into the danger area but Marron did well with a strong headed clearance. The Lawyers came forward after 6 minutes when Gavin Mudd played the ball right to Lee Innes. He crossed into the danger area but Marron did well with a strong headed clearance.The Lawyers came forward after 6 minutes when Gavin Mudd played the ball right to Lee Innes. He crossed into the danger area but Marron did well with a strong headed clearance.
Cater lifted a great pass to Earl in the 12th minute, but Bishop was off his line quickly to block. A minute later and the play was at the other end as Mudd got well forward, but saw his shot well over the bar.
The Lawyers had a good spell of possession and after 16 minutes Innes found space to shoot, but pulled his effort wide of the target. Then a Craig Gott free-kick deflected wide for a corner on the left. The resulting flag-kick saw Mark Salmon run in to the penalty area but head against the bar.
Eccles attacked down the left wing on 21 minutes & crossed dangerously into the goal area, only to see the ball cleared off the line by a defender.
Tow Law continued to have the upper hand and on 30 minutes Christopher Renshaw made a strong run on the right. His cross forced Synners keeper Daniel Dixon to punch behind for a corner which was cleared. Synthonia then attacked as Nathan Jameson came forward, but his shot was blocked.
Renshaw drifted in from the right for the home side and tried a shot from distance. His effort however went just over the cross bar. The last chance of the half fell to Billingham after 40 minutes. Cater cut out a pass and played in Nathan Jameson. He shot from the edge of the penalty area but Bishop saved.
Half-time: Tow Law 0, Synners 0
The Lawyers opened the scoring in the first minute of the second half. Gott sent a corner in from the left. Innes attacked the front post & just behind him, STEPHEN TOBIN was able to see the ball into the net from close range.
Synners came forward after 50 minutes and David Yale had an effort on goal which a defender managed to block. Synthonia then forced a couple of corners and a free-kick, but Bishop was left untroubled between the sticks.
Tow Law had a good chance to extend the lead in the 65th minute as Mark Eccles sped in from the left and released a powerful shot on goal which saw Dixon produce a good save. Synners then countered as firstly Earl saw his shot blocked by a defender before Colin Iley picked up the loose ball but saw Bishop save his shot.
Billingham were pressing forward in numbers in search of a leveller and a 67th minute Michael Jameson free-kick struck the Lawyers wall before being cleared. A few minutes later and Michael Jameson received the ball in an advanced position, but shot wide of Bishop's goal.
The breakthrough for Synthonia came in the 83rd minute. Derek Atwell conceded a free-kick to the left of the penalty area and Adam Clough saw his delivery perfect for DARREN HOLLINGSWORTH who headed into the net from close range.
Lawyers Eccles had the last chance of normal time but saw his injury time shot wide of the target.
Full-time: Tow Law 2, Synners 2
It was Billingham who drew first blood in extra time as they took the lead in the 96th minute. A ball was played forward to COLIN ILEY running the right channel, and he did well to beat a defender before slotting the ball home past the advancing Bishop.
Substitute Stephen Flockett advanced in the 99th minute and with Bishop off his line he tried to lob the ball into the net, but saw his effort go wide. The home side had a couple of chances to level as the first half of extra time came to a close. Firstly Andrew Thompson came in from the right and saw his curling shot saved by Dixon. Then Thompson tried a shot from the right which Dixon caught at the near post.
Iley managed to get in behind the Lawyers defence after 107 minutes, but pulled his shot past the post. Then a Tow Law free-kick was whipped in to the danger area but Cater made a strong headed clearance.
Tow Law levelled the tie up in the 113th minute. Gott broke clear on the left and played the ball perfectly to ALEX BENJAMIN speeding in. He shot first time past Dixon and into the net.
The last chance of the game fell to Tow Law in injury time as substitute Lewis Teasdale shot, but saw Dixon a match to his effort with a low save.
Full-time (aet): Tow Law 2, Synners 2
So to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, and after five penalties each the two teams still couldn't be separated as they tied four apiece.
Into sudden death and Billingham’s man of the match Cater struck his penalty well, but saw Simon Bishop make a great save to his left. Craig Bishop then stepped forward and saw his spot-kick home to see Lawyers into the next round & cap off a man of the match performance.
The Lawyers are away to Newcastle Benfield in the next round

Billingham Synthonia (3) vs (3) Tow Law, Saturday 19th September 2009

Tow Law – Simon Bishop, Gavin Mudd, Craig Bishop, David Turner, Derek Atwell, Mark Salmon, Brian Fairhurst, Craig Gott, Alex Benjamin, Andrew Thompson, Mark Eccles.
Subs- Michael Oliver, Luke Sullivan, Lee Innes.

Tow Law Town visited Teeside for this FA Vase fixture, missing Lee Innes (unavailable) & Brian Fairhurst (transferred) from the squad that played mid-week, but with Forster returning.
The first effort of the game fell for the Lawyers when in the 3rd minute Craig Gott saw his effort wide of Daniel Dixon's goal. A minute later and the visitors' Andrew Thompson found himself clear on goal, but Dixon was out quickly to get a hand to the ball and force the play away from danger.
Billingham's first real effort came in the 8th minute as a Nathan Jameson low shot from the edge of the area saw Tow law keeper Simon Bishop comfortably collect. Then moments later Jameson came forward again but shot over the bar.
In the 17th minute a David Yale through ball released Liam McPhillips, but his first touch was a little heavy, giving Bishop the chance to clear. A few minutes later and Synthonia claimed for a penalty as McPhillips was brought down just inside the area. Referee Mr Clayton however, waved the play on and booked McPhillips for simulation.
After 27 minutes a Yale ball from the left saw Danny Earl tee up Magowan, but a Forster did well with a headed clearance. Then Yale drifted in from the right and fired in a low shot which again Bishop comfortably saved.
It was the Lawyers who opened the scoring, when in the 30th minute they broke clear with a ball forward to ANDREW THOMPSON. Dixon came off his line, but the bounce beat him and Thompson was able to pick his spot and fire home.
Billingham continued to push forward, but were unable to convert that play into goals. In the 36th minute Jameson played in Earl who again set up Magowan, but the shot was straight at Bishop.
Synners were eventually equalised a minute later. Darren Hollingsworth played a long ball towards Earl on the right. A defender got a header in but only managed to put the ball into Earl's path. He squared to JAMES MAGOWAN and the striker shot first time over Bishop and into the net.
Half-time: Synners 1, Tow Law 1
The second period started brightly with both teams looking to get the upper hand. However, it was Tow Law who regained the lead after 50 minutes. A ball forward to ANDREW THOMPSON saw the striker in space in front of goal, and he finished well with a low shot past Dixon.
Synthonia came back at the Lawyers and after 57 minutes a ball into the penalty area was cleared as far as Jameson, but he shot wide. Two minutes later, in the 59th minute, and Synners were level again. A Yale free-kick from the right bye-line saw ANDY HARBRON time his run perfectly as he headed home in the six yard box.
Within 2 minutes later, on 61 minutes, Synners lead the game. Iley let the ball run for Yale on the right, and he delivered a cross to Harbron. His effort on goal was going wide before JAMES MAGOWAN produced an overhead kick and the ball sailed into the net.
After 65 minutes Tow Law came forward through Gott, but his shot on target was well collected by Dixon. The game then became dis-jointed as the Referee started dishing out cautions to both teams.
A free-kick in a good position from the Lawyers in the 75th minute saw Dixon down well to make a low save.
An 81st minute corner on the right from Yale saw the ball come back out to him. He then crossed to the far post where Hollingsworth could only head past the post. Tow Law then received another free-kick in a shooting position. This time it was taken quickly, but Dixon was alert to the danger as he saved on the goal line.
Tow Law then had Mark Eccles dismissed in the 85th minute, with two bookings in a matter of seconds. Billingham pushed on to try and kill the game off as Iley saw his shot deflected and Bishop made the save.
Just as it looked like Billingham would see out the remaining minutes, the Lawyers broke free and equalised in the 87th minute. Again it was ANDREW THOMPSON who took the ball past the home defence, who claimed for hand ball. The striker however, made no mistake with a fine finish to send the tie into extra time. Full-time: Synners 3, Tow Law 3
Earl had a great chance to give Synthonia the lead in the 93rd minute when he received the ball close to goal. He pulled his shot just wide of the far post. A couple of minutes later and McPhillips crossed from the left to Magowan who did well to beat the keeper with his header. The ball however, went over the cross-bar.
Tow Law then had a chance just before the turnaround as substitute Lewis Teasdale made a run towards goal and fired in a powerful shot that swerved away from Dixon, but the keeper still managed to parry the ball away.
In the second period of extra time a 110th minute Adam Clough free-kick near the right corner flag saw Tommy Marron head straight at the keeper. Then an Earl run on goal from the left saw him shoot at Bishop who gratefully collected.
The last chance to finish the tie fell for Billingham in the last minute of play. There were plenty of Green and White shirts forward in a packed 6 yard box, but the resulting goalmouth scramble was eventually cleared, with 10 man Tow Law holding out for a deserved draw, which means a replay at Ironworks Road on Tuesday evening.
The home game against Morpeth will need to be re-arranged.
Full-time (aet): Synners 3, Tow Law 3

Billingham Town (0) vs (1) Tow Law, Tuesday 15th September 2009

Tow Law – Simon Bishop, Gavin Mudd, Craig Bishop, David Turner, Derek Atwell, Mark Salmon, Brian Fairhurst, Craig Gott, Alex Benjamin, Andrew Thompson, Mark Eccles.
Subs- Michael Oliver, Luke Sullivan, Lee Innes.

Tow Law travelled to Billingham Town for this Skilltraining League Cup & dominated throughout.
On 6 minutes, Craig Bishop & Andy Thompson combined down the left wing, feeding the ball to Mark Eccles in the penalty area, but he was crowded out by numerous defenders & shot tamely into the goalkeeper.
Craig Gott hit a 9th minute free kick from 30 yards which flew past the upright with the keeper stranded.
Despite dictating play, the Lawyers couldn’t score & almost paid the price on 17 minutes when a Town free kick clattered against Simon Bishop’s left hand post.
David Turner tried his luck on 23 minutes with a curling free kick, bringing an excellent save from the home keeper.
Tow Law passed the ball & retained large amounts of possession throughout the first half, but failed to break down the home defence.
Half time: Billingham Town 0 – 0 Tow Law Town.
Lee Innes replaced Mark Eccles at half time.
The second half was played in much the same fashion as the first, Billingham Town relying on breaks out of defence.
With 47 minutes on the clock, Mark Salmon picked up a clearance, advanced forward & hit a dipping drive onto the bar. The home keeper was beated, but the ball rebounded clear.
A 65th minute flashpoint saw Alex Benjamin tackled from behind by Dalton. As the players fell to ground, the referee deemed that Dalton had also thrown 2 punches at Benjamin & sent off the home player.
A 66th minute corner from Gott was swung right under the bar, but was headed clear from the crowded goalmouth.
This allowed more space for Tow Law to attack. Turner went close with a 30 yard shot on 68 minutes.
The deadlock was finally broken on 78 minutes. Brian Fairhurst, who transferred to Billingham immediately after the game, crossed perfectly from the right wing for Innes to head home.
The remainder of the game was comfortable as 10 man Billingham Town failed in their efforts to get back at Tow Law, who progress into the next round. Full time: Billingham Town 0 – 1 Tow Law Town.

Norton & Stockton (0) vs (3) Tow Law, Wednesday 9th September 2009

Tow Law – Simon Bishop, Gavin Mudd, Craig Bishop, Chris Renshaw, Richard Forster, Stephen Tobin, David Turner, Craig Gott, Alex Benjamin, Andrew Thompson, Mark Eccles.
Subs- Mark Salmon, Luke Sulllivan, Brian Fairhurst, Michael Oliver.

Tow Law travelled to newly promoted Norton & Stockton Ancients, a Club on a high after a good start to the League season & looking forward to a FA Cup encounter on Saturday.
The game started brightly for both teams, Norton employing long ball tactics & Tow Law looking to pass around the home defence.
Not many chances developed during the first period as the midfield players generally cancelled each other out.
The game changed on 30 minutes. Norton attacked down their right wing & delivered a waist high cross, drilled into the area. Unluckily, the ball struck Gott on the hand, as he had no opportunity to evade it & the referee awarded a penalty. Surprisingly, he also chose to caution Gott.
Bishop dived to his left & managed to divert the penalty kick onto the bar with an excellent save. The ball was scrambled clear.
On 35 minutes, Benjamin collected the ball in the home penalty area. He created space to shoot towards goal, with Eccles screaming for a pass. Sadly, the shot drifted wide.
With half time approaching, Benjamin again received the ball when well placed. He drifted inside past the defender & created a 1 on 1 situation with the keeper. Calmly, he rolled the ball in a the near post.
Half time: Norton 0-1 Tow Law Town.
The Lawyers got away to a dream start in the second half. A deep left wing cross found Tobin stealing in at the back post to plant a header into the goal.
Norton 0-2 Tow Law Town.
Tow Law were totally dominant now & continued to out pass & out play their hosts, who persisted with long balls towards their forwards.
The Tow Law defence were more than a match for this tactic.
On 70 minutes, the game was put out of our hosts’ reach as Gott calmly finished off a move, shooting low past the Keeper & into the net.
A well deserved 3 points for the Lawyers who played a controlled, passing game throughout.
Full time: Norton 0-3 Tow Law Town.

South Shields (2) vs (1) Tow Law, Saturday 5th September 2009

Tow Law – Simon Bishop, Brian Fairhurst, Craig Bishop, Gavin Mudd, Richard Forster, Chris Renshaw, Andrew Thompson, Craig Gott, Alex Benjamin, Lewis Teasdale, Mark Eccles.
Subs- Robbie Shields, Luke Sulllivan, Stephen Tobin.

Tow Law’s visit to the coast ended with disappointment, losing 2-1 to “The Sand Dancers”.
With a strong breeze behind them, Shields pressed the visitors back for long spells of a first half, dominated by the home side.
An early warning came in the 10th minute. Struggling to clear the ball, The Lawyers conceded a corner. When this was crossed into the danger zone, a posse of Shields players attacked it & the resulting header whistled just over the bar.
Shields’ pressure was incessant throughout the first half, with Simon Bishop & the Lawyers’ defence being continually under pressure.
Stephens thought he was clear on goal on 30 minutes but was ruled offside. Moments later, he vented his frustrations on Renshaw with a very late tackle & was cautioned.
On 37 minutes, Stephens again found himself with a good opportunity. 6 yards out, with a free header available, he somehow managed to miss the ball & the visitors’ goal remained intact.
Tow Law’s first opportunity came on 46 minutes. Teasdale, Benjamin & Mudd combined to create a shooting opportunity for Gott, but his effort was dragged wide of the post.
Right on the stroke of half time, the home pressure finally paid off. A deep cross from the left wasn’t headed clear, falling to Stephens 8 yards from goal.
He took full advantage to fire a shot past Bishop & into the roof of the net.
Half time : South Shields 1 – 0 Tow Law Town.
Tow Law were much brighter in the second period, however the first opportunity fell to Shields as Scroggings somehow put the ball over the bar from 6 yards.
Thompson had the home goalkeeper scrambling with a 25 yard free kick after 55 minutes. Failing to hold the ball, the keeper just managed to grasp the rebound before Benjamin pounced.
The Doc reshuffled his pack on 61 minutes. Robbie Shields came into the action on the right flank, replacing Lewis Teasdale. Thompson joined Benjamin up front.
Within a minute, The Lawyers were level. Thomson received the ball & held off a defender. The ball was cleverly moved on to Gott, who advanced & crashed a shot into the Shields net.
South Shields 1 – 1 Tow Law Town.
Shields restarted & immediately pushed to restore their lead, bring an excellent save from Bishop.
A moment of magic from Eccles on 71 minutes saw him leave 2 defenders for dead with a clever back heel. Unfortunately, the home defence scrambled the resulting cross away from danger.
With the game evenly balanced, Shields struck the winner with less than 5 minutes to play. A Tow Law attack broke down & the hosts quickly moved the ball forward & onto their right flank. A low cross into the 6 yard area saw Scroggins sneak in at the back post to tap home the winner.
Gott had a 40+ yard free kick on 88 minutes to save the game, but unluckily it flew inches past the post with the home keeper being a mere observer.
Final score; South Shields 2-1 Tow Law Town.