Last updated at 11:35, Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Celtic Nation 1 Billingham Synthonia 0: Celtic Nation overcame Billingham Synthonia in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

Lee Hoolickin’s throw found Jeff Smith, who got to the byline and crossed for Stephen Archibald to shoot past keeper Moody from 10 yards.

On 52 minutes Nation’s Stephen Skinner broke clear and from 30 yards his attempted lob had Moody scrambling back.

But somehow he managed to finger-tip it over the bar.

Billingham had a chance on 79 minutes when a Richards free kick from 18 yards was parried by keeper Lowson, but some desperate defending cleared the ball to safety to secure Nation’s place in the next round on August 25 at home to FA Vase winners Dunston United.

Penrith 1 Crook 2: All the good work in pre-season was undone in a first-half which saw Crook take a 2-0 lead.

Ball retention had been drilled into the players but all was forgotten as Crook dominated.

But in the second-half Penrith took over and were rewarded with a penalty, which skipper Steven Ainsworth scored.

Manager Brian Williams said he had plenty to think about.

“Inconsistent performances cannot continue as it is so important to build up momentum.

“New signings could be completed this week to bolster the long season ahead.”

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk