Hallam return to Sandygate on Saturday as they face Bishop Auckland in another important Northern Premier League East fixture. The Countrymen come back home looking to respond after a 2–0 defeat away at Bridlington Town last time out. That result continued a difficult run for Hallam, who will be eager to reset, regroup and get back on track in front of their supporters.
Bishop Auckland make the trip south under new manager Andy Dixon, who took charge on 22nd October following the departure of Leon Carling. Dixon’s early spell has brought mixed results. Bishop have lost two of their last three league matches, with their only victory in that spell coming in his first game in charge: a win over Emley. They arrive at Sandygate sitting one place above Hallam in the table, which sets this fixture up as a meaningful battle for both sides.
Although this is the first time the clubs have met in league competition, they do have historic cup ties to look back on. The first came in the 1925 Amateur Cup, where Hallam ran out 2–0 winners in what was later described as one of the greatest results in the club’s history. Bishop Auckland got their revenge almost thirty years later in the 1953–54 campaign, winning 5–0. Nearly a century on from that first meeting, the two clubs meet again with a valuable three points on the line.
Hallam head into this one looking to halt a run of three straight defeats. Their league record stands at three wins, seven draws and six losses. The side has shown plenty of determination and structure in spells this season but will be aiming to turn performances into points more regularly. Hallam have averaged around one goal per match while conceding close to two, so both ends of the pitch will be areas they hope to improve as the season moves forward.
Captain Danny South is hoping to return to the starting eleven as he continues his recovery from injury. Forward options remain limited, with Benni Ndlovu and Leon Howarth still unavailable. Despite these setbacks, Hallam still carry a consistent attacking threat through striker Brodie Litchfield. With ten goals already this season, he will once again be looked to for quality in front of goal and leadership up top.
Bishop Auckland arrive with 17 points from 15 games, with a record of five wins, two draws and eight defeats. Like Hallam, they will be chasing greater consistency as they adapt to Dixon’s leadership. Forward Dean Thexton leads the scoring for Bishop this season with six goals and will be one to watch inside the box. Other regular figures in the side include Patrick Almond, James Risborough, Robbie Spence and Paul van Zandvliet. Out wide, Nathan Thompson offers pace and trickery and will look to stretch Hallam’s back line and create chances from the flanks.
Litchfield will once again be the focal point for Hallam in attack, and denying him space will be a priority for Bishop’s defence. At the other end, handling Thompson’s direct running will be important if Hallam want to avoid being forced backwards. Set pieces are likely to matter, with both teams having scored and conceded from dead ball situations throughout the season, so concentration in those moments could prove decisive. With just one point separating the clubs, this match feels significant for both. Hallam will be
keen to respond and give the Sandygate crowd something to roar about. Bishop, meanwhile, will hope to build some momentum for their new manager. A tight, committed contest is expected, and it has the makings of a key afternoon for both sides.
Match Preview by Max Burgar-Briggs
Photo Credits: Ian Manewell
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