Recap
Bishops’ failed to finish the season on a positive note despite creating a hatful of chances, particular in the second half, and were caught out by two Carlton sucker punches that ultimately proved the difference.
The visitors tested the gloves of Norton inside the opening thirty seconds and at the other end Bartliff failed to take full advantage of Annan in no mans land as the keepers blushes were saved due to a weak effort that trickled wide.
Manneh produced a moment of skill to open the scoring on 14 minutes when he advanced on goal and fired past Norton, the build up to the goal somewhat controversial as the linesman incorrectly signalled a Carlton throw in.
Bartliff had a great chance to level but Annan denied the midfielder with a superb save and Martin shot wide with just the keeper to beat after a fine move. Bishops’ were punished on the stroke of half time as Howes caught out Norton at the near post with Vaulks in close contention.
Bishops’ produced wave after wave of attacks but couldmonly pull a single goal back on 66 minutes when Bartliff stooped to head home a Whitfield centre. Before the goal May incredibly failed to score from yards out with a header cannoning off the bar from a Risbrough cut back.
Bartliff, May and Blackford all spurned great opportunities to salvage a point with Norton rarely required. The full time whistle was greeted with arm applause for the efforts of the season and an 11th placed finish.
Match report by Gavin Hadden
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