Sunderland Albion vs Billingham Synthonia Reser
1 - 1
20 December 2025 · Wearside League<br>Division 3
Away league match played on 20 December 2025.
Kicked off at 1:30 PM
1-1
vs Sunderland Albion
Away league match
Match Report
Sunderland Albion 1–1 Billingham Synthonia Reserves
Saturday 20 December 2025 | The Limes – Pitch 1 | KO 1:30pm
As a management team, we are immensely proud of the performance put in by this group today. The lads stuck to the task from first whistle to last, created the majority of the chances—particularly in the first half—and were unlucky not to come away with all three points. Disciplined, compact, and attacking with purpose throughout, this was a performance full of maturity and togetherness… penalty incident aside ??????.
Billingham Synthonia Reserves travelled to face Sunderland Albion in a competitive league encounter that ultimately ended in a deserved 1–1 draw after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus injury time.
Team Shape & Approach
Synthonia lined up in a 3-5-1-1, with Joe Campbell (right), Joshua Thornton (centre), and Ayden Mahachi (left) forming the back three. The midfield five consisted of Amani Clark and Nathan Atkinson operating wide, with Liam Harman, Kane Warrick, and Leighton Carberry central. Callum Donnison played just off lone striker Peter Jason.
The structure provided defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking intent—and it showed from the outset.
First Half
The visitors started brightly, with Peter Jason testing the Albion defence inside the opening minute. The early exchanges were physical and competitive, setting the tone for the contest.
Despite an enforced change when Liam Harman was forced off injured in the 23rd minute (replaced by Luca Hearn), Synthonia maintained their composure and rhythm. Peter Jason remained a constant threat, supported well by Donnison and the midfield runners.
Amani Clark was a constant outlet, combining creativity with aggression, while Kane Warrick was excellent in holding, screening, and protecting the backline.
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute, when Peter Jason finished confidently with his right foot after a well-timed assist from Leighton Carberry—reward for a dominant first-half performance.
Defensively, the backline was outstanding. Joshua Thornton led superbly from the centre, producing a series of blocks and tackles, while Ayden Mahachi and Joe Campbell defended with discipline and intensity. George Wilson remained alert in goal whenever called upon.
Second Half
The second half saw Sunderland Albion push forward, but Synthonia remained organised and resilient. George Wilson produced an excellent full-stretch save early in the half, while Thornton continued to marshal the defence with authority.
Changes were made just before the hour mark, with Franky Watton and Logan Stevenson introduced to refresh the attack. Despite continued pressure and good defensive work, Albion were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute, which was converted to level the score.
The response from Synthonia was excellent. Heads stayed up, shape was maintained, and Kane Warrick immediately set the tone with a crucial tackle to halt Albion momentum.
Late chances fell both ways, with Logan Stevenson testing the opposition and the defence standing firm under pressure. Ayden Mahachi produced a vital tackle late on, while Amani Clark and Kane Warrick made key interventions deep into stoppage time to ensure the point was secured.
Summary
This was a strong, disciplined, and committed team performance. Excellent contributions across the pitch, with particular praise for the entire backline—including George in goal—who were outstanding throughout.
Amani Clark was superb, getting into the heads of Albion’s number 7 and 10, driving the team forward with intensity and quality. Kane Warrick was equally impressive, anchoring the midfield and protecting the defensive unit tirelessly.
Man of the Match
?? Amani Clark – unanimously voted by both players and management. Well deserved ??
A performance to build on. Standards upheld. Progress clear.