Bishops’ failed to finish the season on a positive note as they hosted Carlton Town for the final game of the 2024/25 season at Heritage Park, reports Gavin Hadden.
Despite creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second half, they were caught out by two Carlton sucker punches that ultimately proved the difference.
The visitors tested the gloves of Norton inside the opening thirty seconds and at the other end Bartliff failed to take full advantage of Annan in no man’s land as the keepers blushes were saved due to a weak effort that trickled wide.
Manneh produced a moment of skill to open the scoring on 14 minutes when he advanced on goal and fired home.
The build up to the goal somewhat controversial as the linesman incorrectly signalled a Carlton throw in.
Bartliff had a great chance to level but Annan denied the midfielder with a superb save and Martin shot wide with just the keeper to beat after a fine move.
Bishops’ were punished on the stroke of half time as Howes caught out Norton at the near post with Vaulks in close contention.
Bishops’ produced wave after wave of attacks but could only pull a single goal back on 66 minutes when Bartliff stooped to head home a Whitfield centre.
Before the goal, May incredibly failed to score from yards out with a header cannoning off the bar from a Risbrough cut back.
Bartliff, May and Blackford all spurned great opportunities to salvage a point with Norton rarely required.
However, despite the result, the full time whistle was greeted with warm applause for the efforts of the season and a creditable 11th placed finish in their first season back at this level.
Meanwhile, the club has announced that James Risborough and Jake Hackett have put pen to paper on extended contracts, keeping them at the club for the 2025/26 campaign.
Preparations are also aready underway for the new season, with the first pre-season fixture, against Redcar Town announced.
The memorial match will take place at Redcar on 11 July in memory of former Redcar player, Matthew Graham who sadly passed away in March.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
