Bishop Auckland line up: Norton, Risbrough, Almond, Brown, Metz, Whitfield, Van Zandvliet, Blackford, Jarvie, Thexton, Roberts (Coppinger)
Andy Dixon’s unbeaten start to life as manager came to a disappointing end as Silsden snatched the only goal of the game 14 minutes from time on an evening when Bishops’ failed to create many clear cut chances, reports Gavin Hadden.
Large parts of the first half saw the visitors defending deep but they manufactured the best chance as Norton saved well with his legs from a counter attack.
Blackford had a low cross pushed out by the goalkeeper but Roberts and Thexton were unable to apply the finishing touch.
On 58 minutes a curling shot from Silsden left Norton stranded and the ball came back off the far post.
Coppinger was introduced for Roberts on 73 minutes, Bishops’ threadbare bench not offering up huge options to change the course of the game.
Just five minutes later the winning goal arrived when a corner was conceded from sloppy play and captain Coates was left unmarked to head in at the back post.
Bishops’ best and only opportunity of the second half saw Van Zandvliet with a close range effort blocked from a rare corner kick.
The full time whistle came after four minutes of uneventful stoppage time and Bishops’ have a chance to get back to winning ways in four days time when Grimsby Borough visit Heritage Park.
Gavin Hadden
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
