Goals from Brad Dockerty and Nicky Walker ensured the leaders returned from County Durham with a hard-earned 2-1 win against mid-table Bishop Auckland.

With favourable results elsewhere, Clee have now extended their advantage at the summit of the East Division to 9 points. The top 3 all have 8 matches to play.

The visitors started confidently in terms of having plenty of possession, but Bishop spurned a good chance to open the scoring in the 7th minute.

Johnson burst clear and bore down on Battersby. The keeper did well though, forcing the striker wide and the opportunity was missed.

Then, after an effort from (N) Walker flew into the side-netting, the Owls went ahead in the 20th minute.

The ball was won by Braithwaite in centre-field. Dockerty and skipper Abbott proceeded to exchange passes to pierce the rearguard, allowing the former to coolly finish low into the net.

Clee could have doubled their advantage as the half progressed. However, Bateson sliced wide when well placed.

With the break approaching, the hosts equalised. After persistent work on the right by Johnson to get in a cross, May delivered a smart hooked finish to delight the locals.

HT Bishop Auckland 1 Cleethorpes Town 1

The early action in the second period was disrupted due to a couple of injury interruptions.

Nevertheless, both sides quickly got back into their stride and, just beyond the hour mark, an absorbing contest turned in favour of the Owls.

(N) Walker played a lovely pass with the outside of his boot to Bateson, who had cleverly held his run just long enough to avoid being flagged offside.
The winger surged towards the penalty area. Meanwhile, (N) Walker had spied an opening and sprinted 40 yards to provide an overlap option and, after receiving the ball from Bateson, he side-footed the third of the day out of Norton’s reach.

Stopper Battersby, who deservedly claimed the man-of-the-match award, excelled in the 78th minute to preserve the precious lead.

Johnson, on the edge of the 6-yard box, looked certain to score when unleashing a fierce drive. The big keeper had other ideas though and flung out his right leg to send it behind.

Sub Stacey very nearly settled matters but just failed to get a clean connection on a diving header.

With tension growing, Clee dug deep during 7 added minutes to ensure all the spoils returned to Lincolnshire. At the end, the band of travelling fans were on hand to provide an ecstatic reception for their team.

FT Bishop Auckland 1 Cleethorpes Town 2

Team:

1. Ollie Battersby
2. Ben Middleton
3. Connor Smythe
4. Jack Vann
5. Callum Foster
6. Connor O’Grady
7. Curtis Bateson (sub 77 replaced by 14. Joe Stacey)
8. Brad Abbott (captain)
9. Brad Dockerty (sub 53 replaced by 17. Josh Walker)
10. Aaron Braithwaite (sub 65 replaced by 16. Will Annan)
11. Nicky Walker (sub 81 replaced by 12. Adam Haw)

15. Dan Gallimore

Goals: Brad Dockerty 20, Nicky Walker 61

Bookings: Ben Middleton, Connor Smythe

Bishop Auckland goal: Andrew May 41

Bishop Auckland bookings: Jack Norton, Jordan Fielding, Joe Bartliff

Attendance: 355

Man-of-the-match (generously sponsored by the Coach House): Ollie Battersby

Next up: Saturday 22nd March (3pm) – NPL East Division – HOME v Ashington

Picture credit: Joseph Gorman Photography (X: @JoeGorman_)

UP THE OWLS!