2006/7 Northern League Division 1
Billingham Town 2 : Bishop Auckland 0
18 November, 2006
Team: Jon Collinson, Steven Larkin, Steven Baynes, Max Applegarth, Scott Nicholson, Steve Newham, Dale Mendum (Richie Ward 68 mins), Levent Yalcin, Richie Storr (Joe Fairish 83 mins), Gavin Parkin, Bryan Stewart
There are many who thought that the insistance of Billingham Town, on the back of nine consecutive wins, to refuse lowly Bishops permission to play Jamie Clarke following his recent transfer a bit over-defensive, but events on the day proved that Billingham's nervousness was justified as Bishops had the Teessiders running scared for much of the second half before the home side snatched an undeserved winner.
Richie Storr's first touch following a lengthy lay off almost produced a goal as his goalbound header from Yalcin's cross was well saved in the second minute.
Billingham were ahead on five minutes when some hesitant defending resulted in a Billingham shot and although Collinson pulled off a fine diving save, there was nothing he could do about the rebound.
Bishops had a good shout for a penalty on 37 minutes and as eyes looked to the referee, hopes were high as he raised his whistle to his lips only to have them dashed as indecision clouded his judgement.
The equaliser came on 40 minutes when Newham's cross found it's way into the far corner of the net as the 'keeper stood in a hypnotic trance no doubt induced by listening to his own inanane ramblings which dominated first half proceedings as he made every attempt to run down the clock from the fifth minute.
Once again, Bishops produced their best football playing into the face of the wind in the second half, and had enough possession and chances to win the game comfortably. The first of these came on 53 minutes when a curling corner to the near post somehow went over the bar from Parkin's close range flick.
Bishops did have a danger moment on 55 minuntes when Collinson pulled off another good diving save, but Bishops passing play was breathtaking at times, with Stewart and Mendum causing chaos on the wings.
Stewart created a chance for Yalcin who took his time to measure a fierce shot which was deflected inches over. By now Bishops had both full backs pushing up too, and Baynes wicked curling shot on 67 minutes had the 'keeper sprawling to push the ball wide.
Mendum was replaced by the late arriving Ward with 20 minutes to go, freeing debutant Nicholson to push into a midfield role which he settled into immediately.
On 72 minutes a good overlapping run from Larkin brought a fine cross which Parkin volleyed spectacularly over, when a more measured header would surely have given better results.
Yalcin, performing superbly on the day, blasted in a shot through a crowded area on 74 minutes which brushed the outside of the post.
With seconds remaining, and Bishops still attacking for the three points, Billingham snatched an undeserved winner when the otherwise impeccable Collinson fumbled a low shot and the ball was forced home.