Consett picked up a useful point in an entertaining game against the Northern League First Division's form team. Bishop's came into the game having won five of their previous six matches while Consett were unbeaten in five League games but having drawn three in a row.

Kenny Lindoe made two changes to the side that had drawn against Newton Aycliffe in the previous game. Craig Robson was back in the side for the first time since December 14th and striker Lewis Teasdale made his first appearance after re-signing from Newcastle Benfield. Gavin Ross and David Molloy dropped to the bench.

The visitors were the first to threaten and went close after nine minutes. A ball over the defence found Johnson whose shot was blocked by home keeper Peter Jameson and as the ball looped goalwards it was hacked away by Michael Pearson.

A minute later, after a quick break, Teasdale dragged his shot wide. After 14 minutes Teasdale's flick set up Ryan Bell whose first time dipping volley from 20 yards was superbly pushed over the bar by Jeffries.

Consett had the strong wind at their backs and they continued to press. With 20 minutes gone Harrison Davies's corner fell to Carl Piecha but his effort was blocked by a defender.

Seven minutes before the interval Michael Mackay and Teasdale combined to set up Dale Burrell but Jeffries again did well to push a well hit shot over the bar.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with 41 minutes on the clock. Hodgson's cross from the right found Johnson whose powerful near post header gave Jameson no chance.

But The Steelmen replied immediately from the restart, Bell setting up Burrell who slotted past the exposed Jeffries.

Half time: Consett 1-1 Bishop

Eleven minutes into the second period, Consett, now facing into the wind, created an opening. Anthony Lund set Davies away down the left, his cross picked out Burrell but his shot went just wide.

Bishops almost took the lead after 62 minutes when a cross from the right found Hawkins whose header crashed against the bar with Salvin putting the rebound over.

Two minutes later Salvin was in the action again, this time his 20 yard effort forced Jameson to dive to his right to save.

Hawkins again went close for the visitors when he turned 20 yards out but his well hit effort went narrowly wide.

Consett had a great opportunity to score what would have been the winner with twelve minutes to go. Mackay's pass put Teasdale in the clear but Jeffries came to Bishops rescue when he saved with his legs.

With five minutes to go it was the visitors who almost took all three points when a corner fell to Parker but his close range effort was miraculously pushed over the bar by Jameson from point blank range.

It proved to be last meaningful action of the game and the sides had to settle for a point each and Consett for their fourth successive League draw.

Full time: Consett 1-1 Bishop

ANDREW PEARSON