Bishop Auckland Football Club saw off the disappointment of their FA Vase exit in by travelling to the home of their title rivals, Shildon AFC and meting out an emphatic 1-5 thrashing to extend their lead at the top of the Northern League.
Earlier in the month, the Two Blues hoped that a fixture switch to Heritage Park would see them safely through to the next round of the national FA Vase competition, but it was the second division leaders, Blyth Town, who prevailed in a penalty shootout.
The match, played in windy conditions, could not have got off to a worse start for the hosts, who conspired to put through their own net in the opening minute when Danni Lay’s passback bypassed Ryan Catterick in the Bishops goal.
Louis Johnson brought the sides level on 53 minutes, but the Two Blues second half onslaught could not find a way to beat Kieran Hunter in the Blyth goal.
And so to penalties after the 90 minute stalemate where another heroic effort from the visiting keeper broke Bishop hearts in a season where the club were one of the favourites to reach Wembley.
Disappointed as they were, minds quickly re-focussed on the task of maintaining their position at the top of the Northern League and there could be no bigger game to ensure the players remained motivated as they travelled to Dean Street and the home of second-place local rivals, Shildon AFC.
In a dream start, Bishops found themselves 0-2 to the good after just six minutes with Shabaan Mohammed coverting from the spot in the third minute and doubling his and his side’s tally just three minutes later after powerfully heading home Dane Burlace’s cross from ten yards.
A penalty for the home side, converted by Joe Posthill, reduced the deficit, but the two-goal lead was restord on the stroke of half-time by Louis Johnson.
The score remained the same until the Shildon keeper, Mark Foden, received his marching orders for bringing down Liam Henderson. Up stepped Mohammed in the 78th minute to fire home for his hat-trick.
And as if that wasn’t enough Christmas cheer for the visitors, Henderson capped off a five-star display with a fifth on 80 minutes to emphatically declare the Two Blues’ title credentials.
Next up, Bishops will host Guisborough this weekend before two games on the road; at Whickham on the 9th and Boro Rangers on the 13th.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
