Crook Town v Bishop Auckland

Recap

On what turned out to be a pivotal evening in the title race, Bishops secured a narrow and tense win on a chilly evening in Crook.

Bishops started the game on the front foot but were met by a stubborn Crook defence.  Curran was forced into action on 18 minutes when a Hackett set piece was clawed away for a corner.

Midway through the first half Louis Johnson limped off after treatment and was replaced by Giles down the right flank.  The pitch was proving challenging as Bishops struggled to create any clear-cut chances and Crook squandered a good shooting opportunity when a forward scuffed badly.

On 56 minutes Henderson got something on a dangerous free kick and the ball glanced on the post on its way out for a goal kick.

Nine minutes the night’s deciding goal arrived courtesy of a Gott free kick after May was upended on the edge of the box.  A big deflection wrong-footed Curran to the delight of players and fans.

With news now through that Shildon were losing two nil a bad foul by Walker on Hard saw the home player given a straight red card.  Howard could not continue and was replaced by Errington.

Crook came close in the dying minutes of the game when a shot just cleared Catterick’s left-hand post and Bishops had the game’s final chance when a cross was cleared from near the goal line.

All eyes are now on Saturday’s trip to Carlisle City where if results go Bishops’ way the league can be mathematically secured.