Having loudly declared their title credentials with a 1-5 thumping of their second-place local rivals, Shildon AFC, Bishop have since picked up a further seven points from nine in their first three games of the new year.
In another sign of what some in the stands may call the form of champions – albeit not a phrase being uttered in a focussed dressing room – the side came from two goals down at home with just half an hour to play to salvage a last gasp draw against Guisborough on 6 January.
Having gone two behind to a Matthew Tymon double, on 37 and 61 minutes, Danni Lay pulled one back just two minutes later before Aaron Brown headed home to rescue a point for the Two Blues.
Next up was a midweek trip to Whickham the following Tuesday night and Bishops made short work of their hosts, opening the scoring through Marcus Giles in the 14th minute before Louis Johnson doubled the lead on the stroke of half time.
Liam Henderson added a third just four minutes from time, while Whickham managed a consolation in the final minute of the game.
Then last Saturday (13 January) it was a repeat offering when Bishops travelled to Boro Rangers.
This time is was Johnson who notched the first in the sixth minute, and the Two Blues were two up with just 11 minutes on the clock through Jake Hackett.
Johnson collected his second and Bishops’ third on 66 minutes before Owen Clarkson gave the home fans some little consolation in the 80th minute.
With nearest rivals Shildon falling prey to the weather, the lead at the top is now eight points, albeit the Railwaymen have a game in hand.
Bishops now have two home games in the next seven days with Birtley Town the visitors this Saturday and Redcar Athletic being entertained at Heritage Park the following weekend.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
