Northern Premier League Division 1
Bishop Auckland 2 : Kidsgrove Athletic 1
17 September, 2005
Team: Horrigan, Coulthard, Irvine, Coghlan, Hall, Mason, Damon Robson, Salvin, Sheeran, Jardine, I'Anson (Newby 88mins)
Bishops completed a good week with a deserved win over mid-table Kidsgrove Athletic. The win lifts Bishops from the foot of the table, and will surely build confidence ahead of next week's FA Cup tie at Skelmersdale United.
The absence of Bell, and an injury to Crossman brought in Mason, back on loan from Harrogate Town, and Coghlan who made a handful of appearances for the club last year while on loan from Darlington.
Bishops opened well on a grassy Brewery Field on a cool but bright afternoon. A couple of corners for Bishops early on created some pressure and the first chance came on 14 minutes when Sheeran ran at the Kidsgrove defence before releasing the ball just too late to I'Anson who was unable to get a shot away.
1st Half: Captain Salvin shields the ball (c) FILMAR Photography
Coghlan looked masterful in midfield and on 24 minutes he clipped a pinpoint cross to Sheeran beyond the far post. Sheeran beat the 'keeper with a goalbound shot which was hacked off the line.
On 27 minutes it was Bishops under pressure and Horrigan pulled off a fine diving save low to his left.
Mark Sheeran had another chance on 31 minutes when he headed just over the bar from close range.
Kidsgrove took an unexpected lead on 37 minutes when a deep cross was controlled by Matthews who fired into the top corner from eight yards.
1st Half: Damon Robson fires the ball in (c) FILMAR Photography
Bishops had a couple of scares early in the second half. On 51 minutes Horrigan picked up a "back pass" which appeared to have been played off a Kidsgrove forward. The indirect free kick was blocked by the wall.
On 59 minutes a corner was conceded and a Kidsgrove forward headed over an unguarded net from close range.
From then on it was all downhill traffic. On 61 minutes Coghlan found I'Anson who passed to Salvin who fired wide under pressure ten yards from goal.
On 67 minutes Bishops were level when the referee allowed an advantage to be played after a handball, and Coghlan passed to Jardine out on the left flank. Jardine's pinpoint cross was glanced home by Sheeran - just reward for the striker who worked tirelessly throughout the game.
2nd Half: Mark Sheeran on the attack (c) FILMAR Photography
Jardine should have given Bishops the lead on 75 minutes when he brought the ball down beautifully on his chest but fired into the side netting.
The winner came on 83 minutes when Damon Robson dribbled past his man and found I'Anson who wrongfooted the 'keeper with a low drive to make the score 2-1.
Bishops held on comfortably to pick up their first win of the season. This was an excellent team performances with a number of players putting in their best games of the season, and assisted by Coghlan who looked so impressive in central midfield.