After suffering defeats in their first two league games Consett made progress in the FA Cup with what proved to be a comfortable victory over the visiting Teessiders.

Manager Kenny Lindoe made two changes to the side beaten in midweek at Spennymoor, Chris Scott and Steven Johnson coming into the side with Craig Robson and Andy Cuthbertson dropping out. He also reverted back to the more familiar 3-5-2 formation having gone for a 4-5-1 set up in the previous two games.

The Steelmen got off to a perfect start when they took the lead after only four minutes. David Pounder’s run took him to the by-line and his cut back was diverted into his own net by defender Wray.

Billingham looked to level just before the quarter hour with Baynes playing a 1-2 with Peachey before shooting at keeper Daniel Staples.

Consett should have doubled their advantage after 34 minutes. Adam Emson made a run down the left and crossed to the back post where Scott headed the ball down to the waiting Steven Johnson, but he scuffed his shot wide from in front of the goal.

Town threatened again three minutes before the interval when Stewart’s driven ball across the face of goal was turned for corner by Staples.

Half time: Consett 1-0 Billingham Town

The Steelmen went close to increasing their lead eight minutes after the interval. Jonjo Dickman’s pass set up Steven Johnson but his shot was saved at the post by keeper Josh Moody who had a spell on loan at Consett last season.

But two goals in as many minutes put the home side in total control. After 58 minutes Steven Johnson played the ball through to his strike partner Emson who ran on and slotted the ball calmly past the onrushing keeper.

Then two minutes later Dickman’s shot took a deflection off of a defender to leave Moody wrong footed as it rolled into the bottom corner.

It was now just a matter of how many Consett would score and they added a fourth on 67 minutes. Keeper Staples could claim an assist for this one as Steven Johnson ran onto his long clearance, cut inside a defender and buried his shot into the net.

Ten minutes later a slick passing move lead to a shot from Pounder which forced Moody into an excellent diving save.

With 12 minutes to go the scoring was completed. Substitute Craig Tate ran onto David Duke’s ball over the defence and picked his spot just inside the far post as The Steelmen went nap.

Full time: Consett 5-0 Billingham Town

ANDREW PEARSON