Northern Premier League Division 1
Bishop Auckland 1 : Chorley 4
11 October, 2005
Team: Horrigan, Danny McGuckin, Michael Robinson, Coulthard, Paul Crager (Ian Blakemore), Aaron Fletcher, Carl Brunskill, Sheeran, Damon Robson, Newby
Brian Healy's first game in charge proved to be another difficult one, and after pulling together a squad of players at short notice, preparations were not helped when one of the senior players decided to have a night off instead.
Bishops were under some pressure from early on, but defended resolutely until the 28th minute when a speculative ball over the top was deflected by Danny McGuckin into the path of Wright who slotted home.
Coulthard had a half chance to bring Bishops level a minute later when he hooked the ball tamely at the keeper when a corner rebounded to him.
On 31 minutes Bishops were two behind when a lack of marking at the far post gave Sullivan a free volley which was dispatched into the far corner.
Bishops were given a lifeline on 37 minutes when Sheeran shot from long range and his innocuous shot bobbled over the diving Horridge.
Weaknesses on the right of Bishops inexperienced defence were again exploited and a low cross was diverted home from close range by Thompson on 40 minutes.
Horrigan was almost beaten by a huge lob from the kick off in the second half, but after that the game was largely uneventful with Chorley's Thompson finishing off the scoring on 63 minutes from a McGuckin error.
Bishops side battled to the end but were lacking in quality on the night.