WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 2-1 BISHOP AUCKLAND

(Tuesday 20 November, 7:30)

West Auckland won the battle of the local rivals with a late Leigh Grant header – although in truth the 3 points should have been secured much earlier.

West Auckland applied the early pressure – in the 4th minute Ian Maddison’s looping goal wards header was headed over by Mattie Moffat as he beat the keeper, Chris Porter, to the ball.  The two forwards combined again in the 10th minute when Moffat crossed and Maddison pulled his spectacular overhead effort inches wide.  3 minutes later Danny Richmond sent Ian Maddison clear but, instead of shooting, tried to square the ball to Moffat, only succeeding in playing a poor pass that saw the promising opportunity break down.
A minute later Brian Fairhurst narrowly headed over a near post corner.

Despite the dominance West had not managed to put the ball in the back of the net – that was until the 24th minute when a flowing move carved open the defence and Kevin Bromley, in acres of room, squared the ball inside the area for Mattie Moffat to stroke the ball home. Ian Maddison had chances to extend this lead before the break.  His first effort was blocked by a defender as they challenged for a loose ball, with the ball rolling kindly to the keeper.  A minute later, after Moffat’s good work, Maddison looked to miss kick yards from goal. 

The second half started in a similar tone to the first – West Auckland pressure.  James Middleton saw an early effort fumbled but recovered by the keeper whilst Mattie Moffat fired just wide.  In the 59th minute, Moffat’s back heel set up Kevin Bromley but he was unlucky to see the shot bounce back off the inside of the post and cleared to safety.  Dale Jardine thought he had added a second 3 minutes later when, from Moffat’s cross, he headed the ball goal wards and, despite a block, the ball appeared over the line however the linesman’s flag was raised for a previous offside offence.  Despite this dominance Bishop stunned the West fans when they levelled in the 71st minute.  A deep Steve Larkin cross was fumbled by Mark Bell into his own goal under pressure for an undeserved equaliser. 

In the 77th minute James Middleton saw his shot well held as West increased their pressure.  Danny Richmond came close before the winner a couple of minutes from the end.  After Kevin Bromley’s good work to beat his man, he put in a good cross to the unmarked Leigh Grant who stooped to send a header flying into the net.  Darren Kokes should have wrapped up the game a minute later but saw the keeper make a good save with his legs.

Team
    1 Mark Bell
    2 Michael Heckley
    3 Danny Key
    4 Jamie Middleton
    5 Brian Fairhurst
    6 Leigh Grant
    7 Kevin Bromley
    8 Danny Richmond
    9 Mattie Moffat
   10 Ian Maddison
       (16. Darren Kokes 90 mins)
    11 Dale Jardine

Subs Not Used
    12 Lee Ellison
    13 Gerard Wraith
    14 Andy Cole
    15 Dale Sheridan