Bishop Auckland FC, under new management, delivered their best result of the season so far when they travelled to league leaders, Cleethorpes Town and returned home with all three points, courtesy of a Joe Bartliff goal on the stroke of half time.
They followed up with another excellent team performance to make it nine games unbeaten in the league with a hard fought win over West Yorkshire opponents Liversedge last weekend, reports Gavin Hadden.
Gary Martin made his home debut leading the line, and gave an all action display, grabbing the games opening goal on 13 minutes.
The visitors had looked lively in the opening stages with Catterick’s alertness tested as a dangerous corner was headed on target.
Bartliff then produced the game’s first bit of magic when he lofted a lovely ball to the far post for the on rushing Martin to head in from just a few yards out.
Liversedge offered up the odd threat in what remained of an entertaining first half with a shot flying just past Catterick’s post.
Bishops’ could have gone in at the interval in an even better position when the away defence seemed to stop, awaiting an infringement which didn’t arrive, but Johnson couldn’t quite make the most of the opportunity.
The sides emerged for the second half with a change in the home line up as Giraud was replaced by Haase.
Long spells of the game were played in the Bishops’ half of the field with a switch in formation seeing the midfield gaining an extra man to ensure Liversedge did not get too much of a foothold in the game.
With Bishops’ still looking dangerous on the break, an excellent piece of skill by Burlace saw the right back nutmeg a defender and set up Bartliff for a simple finish to extend the lead with 30 minutes remaining.
The game was in the closing stages when Martin beat the offside trap and unselfishly squared to the onrushing Bartliff who unbelievably skied what should have been a tap in, the midfielder pulling his shirt over his head in amazement that he hadn’t scored.
Bishops continue to move steadily up the table and now occupy 11th spot, currently well clear of the danger zone.
Next up for the Two Blues is another serious test of their unbeaten run as they travel to Derbyshire to take on Belper Town, currently in second place in the division, albeit now only on goal difference after that superb Bishops win in Cleethorpes.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
