Consett crashed out of the FA Vase with this heavy defeat to Northern League colleagues Billingham Synthonia. The Steelmen had hoped to progress further in the national competition but after an even first half they fell away in the second period and in the end were well beaten.

Consett included in their line-up, Luke Gilbert, who was signed during the week from Gateshead. He replaced the injured Ryan Bell. With David Molloy cup-tied, striker Marc Walton returned to the side. Another new signing, Sam Hodgson from Whitby, was on the bench.

The game started evenly and Consett went close when Harrison Davies played a dangerous ball into the penalty area but no Consett player was able to finish it off.

But Synthonia took the lead after nine minutes. Consett keeper Barry Poskett brought down Nathan Jameson and although the referee initially gave nothing, a flag from his assistant lead to a penalty award. Liddle converted the spot kick, sending Poskett the wrong way.

Three minutes later Consett almost levelled when Michael Mackay turned inside a defender but his shot was turned past the post by home keeper Moody. The visitors had another opportunity when Walton cut in from the left but his 18 yard shot went over.

Synners went close to doubling their lead after 34 minutes when Gardner's well hit shot forced Poskett to dive to his right to save. Then Jameson broke into the box but sliced his shot wide.

The Steelmen almost pulled the scores level when Davies' effort from wide came back off the bar and Dale Burrell who had the goal at his mercy dragged his shot well wide. So wide in fact that the ball remained in play and found its way to Craig Robson who forced Moody into an excellent diving save.

Just before the interval Synners danger man Earl, who had notched a hat-trick when the teams last met, had a shot which hit the outside of the post.

Half time: Synners 1-0 Consett

Three minutes after the break Mackay volleyed over when a Jonjo Dickman corner fell kindly to him. Consett's top marksman would have been disappointed not to get his shot on the target.

But it was Billingham who struck the decisive blow when they went two up after 56 minutes. McWilliams went on a solo run which took him through the Consett defence and he prodded the ball past the helpless Poskett.

The home side very nearly added to their lead two minutes later when from Liddle's corner, Abel's downward header was hacked off the line by Dickman.

But they did add a third to totally kill off Consett's hopes after 67 minutes. Gardner's ball into the box found Jameson in space and he calmly slotted past Poskett.

Mackay had a chance to reduce the deficit but he shot wide from a great position. With nine minutes left it was 4-0 when substitute Michael Jameson's shot was well saved by Poskett but Earl fired home the rebound.

It was all Billingham now and they could have rubbed more salt into the Consett wounds in the dying minutes. Crossen's shot was pushed away for a corner by Poskett and then Liddle had an effort blocked on the line by substitute David Brown.

Full time: Synners 4-0 Consett

ANDREW PEARSON