Bishop Auckland v Newton Aycliffe

Recap

Bishop Auckland: Liversedge, Burlace, Elgie, Errington, Risbrough, Gott, Daley, Weirs, Fairley, Johnson, Banks

Newton Aycliffe: McHugh, Brown, Munro, Costello, Ferguson, Callaghan, Petitjean, E Wood, B Wood, Owens, Taylor

Bishops completed an excellent bank holiday home doubleheader that has brought maximum points, with a hard-fought win against table toppers Newton Aycliffe.

The only goal of a high-quality game came courtesy of central defender Dale Elgie just short of the hour mark when he tapped home a Criag Gott free kick that alluded the Newtonian defenders.

A keenly contested first half saw both sides trade decent chances with Aycliffe starting the game the more threatening when Bishop’s defence appeared a little hesitant.  Banks almost gifted Jamie Owens an early opener as his under-hit pass found the experienced forward who disappointingly fired wide.

The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes was when James Fairley’s deep cross rebounded off the far post with McHugh a spectator.  The typically lively Louis Johnson forced a save out of McHugh as the stopper blocked a low shot with his legs as the two blues grew and began to grow into the game.

The visitors probably enjoyed their best spell in the game prior to Elgie’s goal as Liversedge was called into action a number of times.  However, after edging ahead in the game, the two blues looked comfortable for the most part of the remaining half hour. They could even have created additional breathing space when Fairley played a nice one-two with Johnson and attempted to chip McHugh who was equal to it.

Bishops survived a late scare when with only 3 minutes remaining a low shot rebounded off the foot of the near post with Liversedge beaten.  The win lifted Bishops up to second in the table, a point behind the side they had just defeated and with confidence high leading into next Saturday’s FA Cup qualifier at Whitby.

Programme: Bishop v Newton Aycliffe 29.08.22

Teamsheet: BAFC v Newton Aycliffe 29-08-22