Whickham 1-1 Billingham Town: Conor Newton’s opener cancelled out by second half goal as spoils shared

Whickham FC are still looking for there first win of the season after a stalemate at the First Mortgage Glebe.

The hosts took the lead after 24 minutes when Conor Newton arrowed the ball into the top corner.

The visitors came close on several occasions including a disallowed goal at the beginning of the second half.

In the 54th minute, Billingham Town equalised through Harry Close.

Both sides fought for a late winner but neither could find the back of the net.

George Priest had to replace Kieran Galbraith minutes before kick-off, with the experienced defender tweaking his hamstring.

The Lang Jacks nearly had something to cheer after 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 slalomed his way through the Whickham defence before sliding his shot straight at the ‘keeper.

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.

Both sides struggled to keep the ball in the second half with Town firing well over from outside the area on multiple occasions.

Town came close to a winner in the 90th minute, when a long ranged effort was well handled by Norton.

Match sponsor: Target Property NE

Man of the match Declan Bisset spoke to Ben Robinson after the match: