Bishops’ excellent unbeaten run came to an end in the last home game before Christmas as a well drilled and fluent Grimsby outfit deservedly took all three points, reports Gavin Hadden.
Bishops’ entire first choice midfield was unavailable, meaning debuts for Callum Luck and Jimiel Chikukwa and from the outset the Two Blues struggled to make an impact on the game.
Grimsby dealt an early blow on just six minutes when a corner found its way to the edge of the box and Reece York struck a shot which took a slight deflection to disturb Catterick and the ball slithered over the goal line.
Catterick pulled off a fine finger tip save from a powerful long range effort mid way through the half.
Bishops’ hardly mustered anything in front of goal in the opening half but for a deflected header just wide from an in swinging corner and a free kick in a dangerous area well blocked by the Grimsby defence.
Leon Carling responded by making a double change during the break with Dale Milburn and Leo Robinson coming on to replace the two debutants to try and inject some much needed energy into the side.
However, it was the visitors who conjured up three early second half efforts on Catterick’s goal with the Bishops’ keeper alert to pull of a couple of good saves.
Louis Johnson was having one of his quieter games and on 69 minutes had to leave the field due to injury.
Twelve minutes later a superbly struck free kick from Topliss doubled the visitors lead.
Bishops’ then gained an unlikely chance to get back into the game when Milburn was brought down by the away keeper but Gary Martin saw his penalty saved to seal a frustrating afternoon.
Bishops’ slip a place and point below their opponents in the league table to occupy 11th spot ahead of the busy festive period.
Next up is a trip to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday, followed by the visit of Consett to Heritage Park on Boxing Day before making the short trip to Newton Aycliffe on Monday evening, 30 December.
Bishops will then begin the new year by hosting Ashington on 4 January.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
