2006/7 FA Cup Preliminary Round
Bridlington Town 1 : Bishop Auckland 2
2 September, 2006
Team: John Collinson, Paul Griffith, Paul Crager, Richie Ward, Nicky Mohan, Paul Campbell (Brian Healy 73mins), Dan Newby, Steve Newham (Joe Fairish 6mins, Chris Lynch 73mins), Richie Storr, Levent Yalcin, Bryan Stewart
Bishops put in a great performance on an awful day on the North Yorkshire Coast. The rain and standing water did give the referee some concern on his arrival, but fortunately the rain eased in the half hour before kick off. The strong wind blowing down the ground did not relent.
Bishops kicked into the wind in the first half, and the wind played a big part in Bridlington's opener when a cross flew into the net at the far post on 18 minutes.
Bishops had a chance to level on 21 minutes when Stewart crossed for Campbell who headed over the bar. Minutes later there was a great chance for an equaliser when a ball over the top found Yalcin in a one on one situation but his low shot was saved by the 'keeper with his feet.
Given the circumstances, Bishops were reasonably satisfied to go in at half time with the score at 1-0.
Early in the second half a great move nearly resulted in a Bishops goal. Fairish fed Stewart who crossed to Storr who guided the ball goalwards, but straight at the Bridlington 'keeper.
A minute later Newby crossed for Stewart whose shot was blocked out for a corner. Stewart then took the corner which was headed out for another corner.
Two corners later the goal came when Stewart's corner flew into the wind and curled back directly into the net with the 'keeper flapping helplessly.
Bridlington took this as a spur, and a fine diving save from Collinson pushed the ball onto the post and out for a corner. But it was Bishops with the wind at their backs that looked most likely to win the tie.
On 77 minutes the winning goal came. After winning a free kick on the edge of the area, Storr took a quick kick, nudging the ball to Yalcin who fired in low from 15 yards to make it 2-1.
Bishops hung on to the lead comfortably with the assistance of the elements, and almost added to their lead on 87 minutes when Storr's cross was glanced just past the post by Newby.
The win ties Bishops with Woodley Sports in the first qualifying round in two weeks time.