The stage was set at Wingate Welfare Park on 9th August 2025, as Billingham Synthonia Reserves faced off against Shotton Colliery FC Reserves in a gripping cup encounter. The match concluded with a dramatic 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a tense penalty shootout, where Billingham emerged victorious with a score of 5-4.
Billingham Synthonia lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Liam Cuthbertson took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Amani Clark on the right, Joe Campbell and Matty Plimmer in central defence, and Ayden Mahachi on the left. In front of them, Connor Perry and Jack Fletcher operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. The attacking trio featured Calum Donnison on the right, Samuel Pinkney in the central role, and Sam Martin on the left, with Jake Hunnam leading the line as the lone striker. The substitutes for the match included Eleisha Delapanosta and Evan Cuthbertson.
The match kicked off with an early shock for Billingham, as Shotton Colliery capitalised on a defensive mistake just one minute in, taking a 1-0 lead. This setback seemed to galvanise the home side, who quickly began to assert their dominance. Calum Donnison had a promising attempt in the eighth minute, but it failed to find the back of the net. However, just three minutes later, Samuel Pinkney levelled the score with a powerful header from close range, showcasing his aerial prowess.
As the first half progressed, tensions rose, and Ayden Mahachi received a yellow card for a foul in the 23rd minute. Joe Campbell then attempted to restore the lead for Billingham in the 29th minute, but his effort was thwarted. Donnison continued to be a threat, testing the Shotton defence again in the 31st minute, while Sam Martin also had a go in the 34th minute, but neither could find the breakthrough.
The first half saw its fair share of controversy, with Amani Clark receiving a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 40th minute. Just before the half-time whistle, Shotton Colliery struck again, scoring in the 41st minute with a well-placed right-footed shot, regaining the lead at 2-1. In response, Billingham made a tactical substitution, bringing on Eleisha Delapanosta for Clark immediately after the goal.
The second half began with renewed energy from Billingham, and Jake Hunnam had an attempt in the 50th minute, but it was saved. Calum Donnison continued to press forward, trying his luck again in the 52nd minute. However, the match took a turn for the worse for Billingham when Sam Martin was shown a yellow card for dissent in the 57th minute.
Despite the setbacks, the home side remained resolute. Ayden Mahachi had a chance in the 59th minute, but it was not until the 75th minute that Billingham found their equaliser. Samuel Pinkney scored his second goal of the match, this time with a left-footed shot inside the box, assisted by none other than himself, showcasing his skill and determination.
With the score level at 2-2, Amani Clark returned to the pitch, replacing Delapanosta in the 75th minute. The final moments of the match saw Evan Cuthbertson and Samuel Pinkney both attempt to secure a late winner, but their efforts in the 83rd and 87th minutes respectively were unsuccessful. In the dying embers of the match, Jake Hunnam was reintroduced in place of Sam Martin in the 89th minute, as both teams prepared for the possibility of penalties.
The match ended in a stalemate, leading to a penalty shootout where Billingham Synthonia Reserves triumphed 5-4, securing their place in the next round of the cup.
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Jack Fletcher's performance throughout the match earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, as he orchestrated play from midfield and contributed significantly to his team's efforts.
