Northern League Division 1
7 March, 2009
Team: Peter Jeffries, Arjun Purewal, Craig Thorn, Joe Grant,
Martin Langley, Paul Moss, Adam Strong, Stephen Salvin, Gavin Barton, Gavin
Parkin, Amar Purewal
Bishops completed a first league “double” at
Bishops had the advantage of the breeze in the first half and
carved out a great chance on eight minutes. Strong and Salvin played a one two
before Strong passed to Parkin who fired a shot which beat the keeper and
looked destined for the far corner of the net before Boynton appeared from
nowhere to hack it clear from just in front of the line.
On 11 minutes it was Bishops attacking again and Arjun Purewal’s
long throw was flicked by Salvin to Amar Purewal who stabbed a shot inches wide
of the left hand post.
Joe Grant took an elbow to the face on 16 minutes. From the resulting free kick Salvin headed
just over the bar. Two minutes later and
Grant picked up a yellow card after a strong challenge.
Bishops took the lead on 27 minutes. Salvin won the ball just insice the Billingham
half and after advancing a few yards passed the ball to Amar Purewal who cut
inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner of the net.
Three minutes later and Salvin brought down the ball on his
chest and blasted in a shot but it hit a team mate on the way and ended up in
the side netting.
On 42 minutes Bishops doubled the lead. Arjun Purewal’s throw was flicked by Salvin
to Strong and although his attempt was cleared, it fell to Barton on the edge
of the box. His fierce shot flew into
the net with the aid of a deflection which left the home ‘keeper helpless.
Just before the half time whistle Parkin had another chance, but
from a tight angle could only find the side netting.
The elements were against Bishops in the second half, but the
Bishops started strongly regardless. A
strong Strong run saw the midfielder pass to Amar Purewal who cut the ball
across to Barton who fired in a shot which pinged off the outside of the post.
With the breeze assisting Billingham’s attacks, a deep free kick
on 59 minutes caused difficulties and the ball was scrambled inside the post by
Earl to make it 2-1.
Peter Jeffries, a spectator for large chunks of the game, was
thrust into action on 68 minutes when he pulled off a great save at the near
post, pushing the ball out for a corner.
Bishops continued to create chances but with the margin reduced
there were always likely to be some scares. A foul on Salvin 25 yards from goal saw a
free-kick fired into the crowded area. The
ball fell to Parkin but his shot was parried by the ‘keeper and collected at
the second attempt.
Salvin shot the ball over to right wing on 85 minutes and Strong
in full flight rode the last defender’s tackle before slotting the ball
underneath the home ‘keeper for 3-1, and the result was settled.
Town pressed in the closing minutes, but with a two goal lead
Bishops defended with more confidence and held out until the end.