Bishop Auckland v Boro Rangers

Recap

Bishops kept Boro Rangers at bay for a hard-fought win to extend the unbeaten start to the season to five games.

An impressive opening 20 minutes saw Bishops’ lead when Bartliff ran onto a defence-splitting pass by the fit-again Dane Burlace, and the midfielder rounded Horner before firing into the roof of the net.  Giles was making some excellent runs from deep and a crude foul denied the forward an effort on goal as the Boro Rangers defence were being put under pressure.

The visitors started to grow into the game, and with Burlace sent to the ‘sin bin’ for dissent, they seized their chance to level matters when McGoldrick brought down Guy in the box.  Rose slammed the spot kick into the top corner with 33 minutes played.

Five minutes before halftime Risbrough combined with Thexton and forced Horner into an excellent save.

Boro Rangers had the opening chance of the second period with a low shot fired just wide with Catterick beaten.  Bishops responded with what turned out to be the game’s decisive goal in the 54th minute, Danni Lay losing his marker to meet a Gott-whipped free kick to force the ball in.

Another Bishops’ attack almost resulted in a third goal when a cross from the left hurried an on-rushing Thexton into an effort which flew high and wide.

Large parts of the remainder of the game were relatively uneventful with little goal-mouth action, and the majority of the 280 crowd were happy to hear the final whistle which moved Bishops up to third place in the league table.

Match report by Gavin Hadden