Recap
Bishop Auckland: Liversedge, Roddam, Bythway, Callaghan, Miller, Milburn, Taylor, Rutherford, Winstanley, Coleman, Burnicle
Consett: Hayes, Purewal, Holden, Smith, Slocombe, Martin, Capewell, Orrell, Green, Heslop, Larkin
Top of the table Consett provided Bishops with the daunting task of reversing the latest losing streak in the now critical stage of the fight against relegation. The absence of Lavery, Poole, Waters and Garbutt from the starting XI meant Bishops set up to nullify the visitors – the experienced Lee Bythway made his return debut after an absence of over 8 years and Roddam slotted back in beside him – and the game plan certainly worked for long spells of the game.
During a first half which was a scrappy tight affair, it took 39 minutes for Liversedge to be properly tested when he tipped over a rasping shot from Larkin. Bishops had edged possession and territory up until that point without creating anything of note, but the ‘Steelmen’ finished the opening period on top. The closest they came was when the ball was deflected on to the foot of the post as Liversedge came out to smother a loose ball. HT 0-0.
Within 2 minutes of the re-start Bishops had the lead, when Purewal’s weak defensive header found Winstanley who pushed the ball along the ground into the path of Burnicle who prodded past Hayes. The lead only last for 5 minutes, Orrell floated in a free kick and Capewell side footed into the roof of the net at the back post.
The game again settled into a battle of attrition until a goal out of nothing from another set piece sent the small pocket of Consett fans behind the goal into celebration. Cassidy, who had just entered the field of play, floated in a harmless looking ball which Larkin got his head to and with Liversedge rooted to the spot it floated into the back of the net. Despite this deflating late blow Bishops tried in vain to conjur an opportunity in the 5 minutes or so remaining with the men in red picking up a gritty 3 points to keep them in the driving seat at the top. FT 1-2.
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