by Jeff King
United go into Saturday's game at home at The Ford Quarry Hub looking for their first league points in four games and a possible double over opponents Billingham Synthonia.
Back at the beginning of September with Synners going well United went down the A19 to take on Billingham and their new temporary home of Stockton Town. Thanks to goals from Reyhan Grimaud and Brandon Young they came away with a 2 - 1 win.
That was the start of a great run for United that saw them go unbeaten for 10 League games until they went to Prudhoe YC Seniors and lost 2 - 1. They've since also lost to leaders Horden and 3rd placed Yarm both at home.
Despite those three defeats United are still 9th in the table but they'll be looking to stop the reverse losing run and look to pick up a win that can keep them comfortably in the top half of the Division.
Synners on the other hand have had a very mixed season. Only one defeat in their first seven games has been followed by only three wins in their seventeen. A run that sees a side that made the end of season play-offs last campaign in 16th this.
That'll be disappointing for Billingham but there have been massive changes both on and off the field throughout the season. Early season leading scorers Matty Wilshaw and Declan Brown are still registered at the Club but not playing.
Goals at the moment coming mostly from Ash Lavan and new signing Ryan Appleby who has seven in his short time with the Synners.
A new Management Team was installed on the 17th November with Chris Dunwell taking over as First Team Manager supported by his Assistant Jimmy Ward and First Team Coach Patrick Davis.
It all means a hard game for two sides that were on the opposite side of penalty shoot-outs in the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup in midweek. united going through 5 - 4 on pens after a 2 - 2 draw at Esh Winning. Synners meanwhile went out after drawing 1 - 1 at Grangetown Boys Club and then losing 6 - 5 on pens.
An intriguing clash in prospect which as always kicks-off at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon.
Comments