Bishops produced a stirring performance in an action packed game to come out on top against league high flyers Redcar Athletic, last weekend, reports Gavin Hadden.
Jack Norton made his return debut for the club and was instrumental in keeping the visitors at bay with a string of high quality saves.
The impressive Oscar Fletcher hammered Redcar into a six minute lead and at the other end Scott Heslop making his debut saw a close range shot saved by Mazfari.
A sweeping move from back to front released Blackford who drew the scores level with a lovely dinked finish on 28 minutes.
Redcar were always a threat and after a couple of scares, Bishops edged ahead with the last action of the half, a cutback deflected into the path of Jarvie, who blasted a shot high into the net.
The re-start saw former Two Blues stars, Louis Johnson and JJ Bartliff introduced, and the former had an instant impact as his through ball cut open Bishops defence for Boyes to finish past Norton.
The visitors stepped up another gear and it was Bartliff who unleashed a shot that took a nick off a defender and looped into the goal on 66 minutes.
Bishops did not cave in and ten minutes later Metz burst into the box and was upended by Lay, Jarvie stroking home the penalty.
What proved to be the winning goal arrived just three minutes later when Jarvie floated in a free kick and Heslop got a slight touch to help the ball into the far corner.
Deep into injury time, Coppinger had as good a chance as possible to score the fifth but struck the bar from six yards out with the goal open.
Jubilant scenes and relief greeted the final whistle as the club’s six game losing run was finally ended.
Bishops leap five places in the league table, up to 17th and have games in thand on many of the sides above them.
Next up for Bishops is a visit to Brighouse this weekend while the following weekend’s visit of Bridlington to Heritage Park has been postponed due to the visitors’ participation in the FA Trophy.
After that, Bishops will travel to Heaton Stannington on Saturday 11 October.
Gavin Hadden
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
