Consett progressed to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a home tie with North Ferriby, with what proved in the end to be a comfortable win over visiting Bishop Auckland in this Preliminary Round Replay.

Manager Kenny Lindoe made two changes to the side that threw away a three goal lead in the first game. Jonjo Dickman and Steven Johnson, both returning from holiday, replaced the injured Karl Baston and Chris Douglas who dropped to the bench.

Consett dominated the opening half and could have been out of sight at the break but for some excellent saves by keeper Leighton. They went close after three minutes, Adam Emson shooting into the side-netting from a tight angle.

But two minutes later The Steelmen took the lead. A cross hit the outstretched arm of a defender and the referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty. Mattie Moffat made no misrake from the spot, sending Leighton the wrong way.

After eight minutes Johnson played a 1-2 with Moffat to give himself a great chance but Leighton stuck out a leg to divert the ball away. But two minutes later the same two players combined to double Consett’s advantage. Moffat played the ball through to Johnson who rounded the keeper to make no mistake.

Consett were well in control and were creating chances almost at will. A Johnson back heel set up Steven Brown but he was unlucky to see his shot hit Moffat. Then Dickman set up Moffat but Leighton got down well to turn the striker’s shot away.

Just before the half hour Moffat’s half hit shot went straight to the keeper after Johnson had flicked on Gary Ormston’s corner. Leighton was again in action to deny Moffat, eight minutes before the interval, when again he saved with a leg following a fine pass by Brown.

But Consett grabbed a deserved third goal right on half-time. Brown’s free-kick was headed down by Emson to Moffat who shot home through the keeper’s legs.

Half Time: Consett 3-0 Bishop

The second half was a much more even affair with the visitors coming more into the game. Six minutes in and Parkin turned and shot from 20 yards but straight at Paul Gilmore.

At the other end Andy Cuthbertson dragged his shot wide after a pull back from the by-line by Ormston.

But Bishops got back into the game when they pulled one back after 67 minutes. Consett conceded a needless corner which Richards took. The ball fell to Barton who shot home from close range.

With memories of the first game still fresh, when Bishops came back from three down, Consett had a wobble for ten minutes with the visitors threatening another comeback.

But The Steelmen weathered the storm and made sure of victory in stoppage time. Ormston played the ball into Johnson who turned smartly, outwitting the defence before shooting home inside the far post.

Full Time: Consett 4-1 Bishop

ANDREW PEARSON