Bishop Auckland FC have exited the Durham Challenge Cup at the quarter finals stage after a 3-1 defeat to neighbours, Spennymoor Town at the Brewery Field in midweek.
The National League North side proved too strong for a plucky Bishop side who halved a 2-0 deficit through Wayne Witfield to set up a grandstand finish, but it was Moors who had the final say, scoring in the final minute to complete the win.
However, it was better news for the Two Blues in the league as they continued their freescoring form of last year to complete a 5-0 home win against Crook Town last weekend.
There was only one goal between the sides at the interval, courtesy of a Craig Gott free kick on 33 minutes, but Bishops ran riot in the second half.
Dean Thexton increased the lead soon after the break before Giles converted a quick-fire double and Johnson completed the rout four minutes from time.
With 15 games remaining, Bishops remain top of the Northern League, three points ahead of Newton Aycliffe.
This weekend, the leaders travel to strugglers, Pickering Town for a 3pm kick off and will entertain Guisborough Town at home the following Saturday afternoon.
In a round up of the other games, Steve Coulthard reports that BA Ladies enjoyed a 5-1 win over Guisborough last Sunday with goals from Emma Wright (2), Natasha Napier, Ellie Geary and Katie Smith.
The BA Reserves went down 2-1 to Coxhoe in a very entertaining game at the St John’s 3G with Ashley Adams scoring.
The U18s also lost out 2-1, to Norton & Stockton in an end to end game with plenty of chances.
At St Mary’s Juniors, the U15s lost 5-1 to Hardwick Juniors with Jake Bell scoring.
Like the seniors, the U14 Kings also lost out in the County Cup quarter finals with a Jackson Raitt double not enough to see them through.
The U11 Kings drew 1-1 away at Norton with Alfie French scoring.
The U11 Aces lost out at home with Riley Howard scoring for St Mary’s.
The U10 Aces had a great win over Cleveland Reds with goals from Harry Coulthard, Josh Wren and Oliver Chambers, while the U9 Bishops lost out against Stockton in a good game.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
