Recap
Bishops’ came up against a well-drilled confident Heaton side and fell to a first league defeat of the season after a Leighton Hopper double. The away side started the game with a lot of possession but nothing in the way to trouble the black and white backline and on 18 minutes a good move saw Hopper fire into the net across a diving Catterick.
Louis Johnson pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue and was replaced by Parnaby shortly before the equaliser came through somewhat fortuitous circumstances on 32 minutes. Watt whipped in an attempted cross from the left wing which pinged in off the far post to leave the home stopper shell-shocked and the band of visiting supporters behind the goal delighted. Bishops began to sense an opportunity to get on top for the first time in the game and May almost broke through after a weak backpass by Reid only for Stephenson to snuff out the danger.
The half ended on a downer for Bishops when McGoldrick instantly signalled for treatment after a strong challenge and the defender was stretchered off. Errington was the second substitute introduced. Thankfully McGoldrick did eventually get to his feet to complete his journey to the dressing room.
Just four minutes after the break Heaton Stan broke down the left and Hopper was released into the box to dink an expert finish over the committed Catterick. The signs were that the home side would look to extend their lead and Bishops were second best in the key areas of the pitch, Stephenson blasting a shot over the bar and Catterick tested with a low drive.
The only time the hosts looked like being breached was in the dying minutes when substitute Thexton attempted an acrobatic finish which Brass parried to safety. A succession of corner kicks came to nothing and to a man the Heaton players and management celebrated the final whistle which saw them deservedly take the three points.
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