Northern Premier League Division 1
Bishop Auckland 1 : Gresley Rovers 2
25 April, 2006
Team: Tony Davison, Aaron Fletcher, John Barker, Graham Low, Nicky Mohan (David Spence 62mins), Martin Bowes, Paul Campbell (Stephen Winspear 60mins), Dan Newby, Martin Barwick, David Wells, Dale Mendum (Michael Robinson 88mins)
Bishops gave play-off contenders Gresley Rovers a great battle, but ran out of energy in their fourth game in six days, missing out to two late goals.
Gresley almost had an early breakthrough when a deep cross in the fourth minute drifted in the wind and was hit from the far post into the outside of the metalwork.
Bishops took the lead on 18 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. The referee took his time to line up the wall, but the wall was not so well formed, and Bowes shot crept through a gap and into the net.
A Mohan mishit on 28 minutes allowed Gresley another chance at goal, but this time the fierce shot rebounded off the other post.
Bowes almost scored again on 31 minutes when his header was cleared off the line by a defender and out for a corner.
Gresley attacked after the break, needing the points for their play-off spot, and that gave Bishops chances to seal the game. Wells dipping shot on 67 minutes almost beat the 'keeper, but at the last minute it was pushed just past the post.
Wells again was the man in position on 78 minutes but his attempted lob was tame. A similar chance on 80 minutes had a similar conclusion.
Bishops were left to pay when after being incorrectly awarded a corner on 82 minutes, the resulting flag kick was headed home by Edwards. Heads dropped and thee minutes later a long throw was flicked on to Edwards who scored again to give Gresley and undeserved three points.