Match Preview - Home v Billingham Synthonia - Ebac Northern League Division 2 - Saturday 5th April 2025

by Jeff King

So, after last week's 3 - 0 win at Ryton is it now two from three for the final play-off positions with Thornaby, Esh Winning and United all having three games to go and only a single point between them?

Time will tell but one thing is for certain every game seems to be bigger than the last one and this weekend's visit of Billingham Synthonia to The Ford Hub is no different.

Synners are sitting in 13th place in the table with 51 points from 39 games. They've won 14, drawn 9 and lost 16 scored 66 goals and conceded 56. Given they were one of the favourites for promotion this season it represents a disappointing season.

But that does not mean they will not be difficult opponents for United on Saturday. As we all know every game in this Division is a tough one and on their day virtually every team can beat each other. Synthonia are as tough as anyone.

They certainly have the firepower to unsettle any defence. Ryan Appleby has 14 league goals, Matty Wilshaw 12, Ash Lavan 9, Lewis Porrit and Dec Brown 7 each. Not sure how many of those may play on Saturday but all are dangerous.

Back on September 3rd last year United were firmly in the bottom three of the league and Synners up their challenging. That night United through goals from Reyhan Grimaud and Brandon Young came away with a 2 - 1.

It was a win that kick-started United's season and perhaps started Synners in the opposite direction. A repeat of that on Saturday is what United are looking for but Billingham will no doubt not make it easy as they come looking for revenge.