AFC Newbiggin see off Billingham Synthonia in midweek cup win

AFC Newbiggin twice came from behind to beat Billingham Synthonia 4-2 and book their place in the second round of the Ernest Armstrong Second Division Cup on Wednesday evening.

Having conceded an opening strike in the eighth minute, Newbiggin bounced back to equalise through Ethan Smith after a quarter of an hour.

From there, Billingham would edge ahead again early in the second half, but their lead would only last a minute as Harry Hills restored parity once more for the hosts. Newbiggin would then net twice late on, first through Smith and then courtesy of Harry Scott, to put the game beyond their visitors and advance in the competition.

Speaking after the final whistle, manager Simon Wilson said: “I'm very happy because they're a good side and it was a really hard game. We had a few lads missing, a few got injuries, players were tightening up all over the pitch.

“But I thought we really worked hard. I thought it was a really good game, a good cup tie. Both sides tried to win it, and the lads really worked hard and did what we wanted to do.

“I'm pleased with the whole squad tonight. Every one of them put a shift in. The subs off the bench made a good difference as well. It’s first time we've won a cup game in the Northern League, so we got that monkey off our back too. I'm absolutely delighted with that tonight.”

Newbiggin will once against host Billingham, this time in the league, in their next outing on Saturday afternoon.