Northern League Division 1
17 February 2007
Bishop Auckland 4 : Horden CW 1
Team: Chris Porter,
Steven Larckin, Michael Ward, Richie
Ward, Nicky Mohan, Matthew Coad (Brian Healy 74 mins), Adam Clough, Lev Yalcin, Jamie
Clarke, Richie Storr, Gavin
Parkin
Bishops now prolific strike force proved to be the
difference between the two sides at a sunny
Horden had missed an early one on one
before Bishops took a ninth minute lead when Jamie Clarke fired in a low
curling shot into the bottom right hand corner.
Another Horden break caused
problems in Bishops defence on 12 minutes but the cut-back was intercepted by Richie Ward and cleared with ease. Horden equalised on
17 minutes when free kick on the edge of the box went straight in over the
diving Porter.
Jamie Clarke continued to cause problems and on 32 minutes a
low cross evaded Parkin and squeezed just past the
far post. Horden
were next to press and a good cross was deflected over the bar from close range.
Bishops were next in the ascendancy, and a high ball into
the box saw Clarke beat his marker with a show of impressive strength before
kneeing the ball over the advancing ‘keeper.
Clarke then turned provider again as his fine cross was just missed by a
diving Coad.
Clarke and Parkin combined for
another great chance on the stroke of half time when first Parkin
had a try, before Clarke’s overhead kick squeezed just over the bar.
The first half was end to end, and an even contest, but
Bishops dominated the second and found space everywhere on the field.
Early in the second half, Storr
should have ended his goal drought when a great through ball saw the forward
alone in an empty Horden half with only a 40 yard run
and the ‘keeper to beat. The shot was
saved, but the ball rebounded to Parkin who stroked
it through the defenders and into the net for 3-1.
On 62 minutes a fantastic move started with Storr whose cross was flicked by Parkin
to Clarke who headed over from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.
Horden had a decent chance on 68 minutes
when Porter dived to save a low shot and Mohan cleared the danger.
On 74 minutes, a move involving an intricate double backheeled one-two between Parkin
and Clarke ended with a Parkin shot which was well
saved. Brian Healy replaced Coad soon after.
Bishops completed the rout on 81 minutes when Parkin blasted the ball home from 10 yards in a crowded
area. The goal sparked a furious
exchange when Clarke was wrestled to the floor and assaulted. Remarkably after the dust settled, both
players were cautioned.
Clarke almost completed a hat-trick in the final minute when
he fired inches over from the edge of the area.
Three welcome points which keep Bishops in14th place.