On the back of a week of no action, Bishops’ quickly got into their stride when Kendal came calling with Arron Thompson rattling the goal frame inside the opening 30 seconds, reports Gavin Hadden.
The breakthrough would take 28 minutes, in between the spirited visitors showing they could match the Two Blues’ quick incisive passing.
Amar Purewal started the move with a well won flick-on and after a few touches in the box, Gary Martin teed up Luke Williams, who curled a shot into the far corner.
The ‘Mintcakes’ were in danger of collapse as Micky Turner picked out Ben Jordison with a lovely cross field pass, and the full back controlled superbly before sliding his shot over the keeper and into the net.
A third goal quickly followed when a long throw was left to bounce in the box and Craig Moody was on hand to nod in from close range.
The damage could have been worse when Martin rounded the keeper and picked out Purewal, his close range effort deflected for a corner.
After the flag kick was fumbled, Martin passed into an empty net but a foul was awarded in Kendal’s favour.
Ten minutes into the second half, Bishops broke up field and Moody crossed for Purewal who glanced a header inches wide.
Shane Bland made a couple of routine saves as the game became much more even.
A loose pass in the Bishop defence almost gifted Kendal a goal but Bland this time extended himself to get down to his right and save the shot.
With ten minutes left Martin outmuscled his marker and burst through to slide his finish beyond the keeper for Bishops fourth goal.
With pretty much the last action, Wilkinson powered a header past Bland to record a consolation for the visitors.
Next up, this weekend, is a trip to Whickham before the Two Blues head to Easington for a midweek top of the table clash.
Gavin Hadden
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
