Northern League Division 1

12 September 2007

Bishop Auckland 2 : West Allotment Celtic 0

Team: Chris Porter, Shaun Boynton, Michael Hillary, Paul Crager, Jason Newall, Paul Harvey, Joe Fairish, Scott Richards, Dane Wilson, Daryll Evans (Anthony Abel 80mins), Dale Mendum

More changes required after Saturday’s disappointing performance and Michael Hillary and Paul Crager starting in the defence, Paul Harvey switching back to midfield and Daryll Evans starting up front.

The match kicked off before a sparse crowd, depleted by England’s game, and on a sunny later summer evening. West Allotment had much of the early possession, and on 20 minutes a looping shot had Chris Porter scrambling across his goal, but the ball spun just wide of the post.

Bishops came into the game as the half wore on, and created some real pressure in the final ten minutes of the half without creating any real chances of note.

The second half saw Bishops in the ascendancy and on 56 minutes Evans was fouled on the edge of the area. The referee waved play on as the ball broke to Mendum who shot wide with only the ‘keeper to beat.

Bishops were one up on the hour. A long crossfield ball from Harvey found Mendum who took on his man but was forced to the goal line before delivering a pinpoint cross to Wilson at the far post. The dangerous striker headed down into the ground and back across the goalkeeper. Although the ball was hooked out by a defender, the referee’s assistant immediately indicated that the ball had crossed the line.

On 66 minutes Bishops were two up. Mendum was again the provider and Evans headed over the ‘keeper and into the net from twelve yards.

Paul Crager and Jason Newall stood strong in the defensive line as West pushed to get back into the game late in the day, but some committed tackling and determined blocks kept the lead intact. On 90 minutes Boynton cleared a shot off the line, allowing Chris Porter to keep his third consecutive clean sheet.

Fixtures and Results