SAM Hind claimed the only goal to send 1874 Northwich through the FA Vase second round at Billingham Synthonia’s expense.

The attacker’s touch, with his shoulder after Danny Thomas had met Sam Hare’s corner with a towering header, diverted the ball out of the reach of visiting goalkeeper Guy Craggs.

It was no less than Ian Street’s side had deserved after they created the clearest openings during a close encounter.

Tom Bailey skewed off target after reaching Hare’s pass, losing his footing while in shooting stride.

Scott McGowan then flicked wide with his heel after Hind cut the ball back his way.

The former Congleton front man chipped narrowly over after escaping the attention of his marker, while Craggs was alert to block Hind’s attempt before the break after he had latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area.

Synners had glimpses of goal too, notably when Anthony Peacock headed too close to custodian Greg Hall from Liam O’Sullivan’s cross.

The attacker’s next attempt was then deflected by a defender into the net-minder’s hands.

Tom Bailey was denied an opening goal on 53 minutes when defender Josh Rowbotham hooked his header off the line with Craggs out of position.

At the other end, Hall was well-positioned to stop Matthew Osmond’s attempt after Peacock had combined with Danny Brunskill.

Craggs was called into action by McGowan after he cut in from the left.

A minute later O’Sullivan blocked a goal-bound effort from the striker, only for Synthonia to concede the winner from the resulting corner.

Matthew Crust headed wide from an Osmond corner as they attempted to force a replay, only for 1874 to protect their lead.

Billingham’s Austin Johnson was sent off after the final whistle when he was cautioned for a second time.

1874 | Hall (GK), Mitchell, Russell, Jones, Thomas, Chappell (Rick Bailey 80), Hare, Matthew Woolley, Tom Bailey, McGowan (Jack Woolley 87), Hind Subs not used Wellstead, Carroll, Lever Goal Hind 78

Synthonia | Guy Craggs (GK), Grier (Wilson 78), O’Sullivan, Johnston, Rowbotham, Crust, Liddle, Max Craggs, Brunskill (Langstaff 75), Peacock, Osmond Subs not used Bythway, Keogh, David Hillerby Booked Johnston, Grier Sent off Johnston

Referee Darren Brown

Attendance 231

Match report by Jack Owen