Two goals in three minutes either side of the hour mark turned this game in Billingham’s favour after Consett had levelled just after the interval. The defeat leaves The Steelmen still four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Albany Northern League First Division with seven games to play.

Consett went into the game without the holidaying Jeff Sugden, with Chris Hodgson and Johnny Brown also missing out because of injury. Youngster David Hogg was also injured so manager Colin Carr shuffled the back four by switching Steve Smith to right back and Gareth McKenna to centre-half. Youngster Andrew Green once again partnered top scorer Colin McLeod in attack.

The opening quarter hour saw Consett match their hosts but the home side soon started to get on top. After 17 minutes a well struck shot by Baverstock was brilliantly turned round the post by Consett keeper James Platten. Then from the resulting corner Woodhouse’s header was blocked on the line by Richie Lognonne.

Town continued to press and after 24 minutes Chillingsworth’s first time shot forced Platten to make a fine save diving to his left. Three minutes later Chillingsworth’s 25 yard effort curled just past the upright then the influential striker got in behind the Consett rearguard but Platten narrowed the angle and blocked the shot.

For all their endeavour in the first period Consett created little with Mark Lee’s volley at the keeper, and Neil Lowdon’s 20 yard shot that rose over the bar, the only efforts of note. It was no surprise therefore when Billingham took the lead five minutes before half time, although there was a little bit of luck involved. Anthony Lee’s shot was fortuitously deflected to Woodhouse who made no mistake.

Half Time Billingham 1-0 Consett

Consett shocked the home side though, when they equalised three minutes after the break. Mark Lee floated a free kick from the right edge of the box to the far post where Colin McLeod rose to loop a header over Collier and into the net. Town almost replied immediately when Chillingsworth burst through but Platten did well to save at his feet.

But the home side restored their lead after 58 minutes. Scott’s pass released flying winger Baverstock and he fired in from a tight angle. Billingham’s lead was doubled three minutes later from a set piece situation. Platten failed to claim Anthony Lee’s left sided free-kick and Chillingsworth was left to head the ball into the empty net.

Consett battled to get back into the game but the nearest they came to pulling one back came with seven minutes to go when Gareth McKenna made a good run, played a 1-2 with McLeod, but saw his shot comfortably saved by Collier at the foot of the post. Billingham quickly moved the ball to the other end and a loose ball fell kindly to Chillingsworth who notched his second. The rout was completed with a minute to go. Platten saved at the feet of Turner but the ball ran loose and the Billingham player made no mistake at the second time of asking.

Full Time Billingham 5-1 Consett

ANDREW PEARSON