West Allotment Celtic ran out 0-2 winners away at Bishop Auckland at the Voneus Stadium in a crucial bottom of the table clash.
Two goals courtesy of this season's top scorer Callum Larmouth saw West Allotment overcome their County Durham-based opposition in front of a healthy crowd of 304. It was also a first clean sheet of the season which stemmed from the tenacious defending of Michael Trodd and captain Michael Scott.
Both sides showed attacking intent from the first whistle. Perhaps the first big opportunity fell the way of Bishop Auckland as a volley from the edge of the box sailed wide of the post after just 5 minutes.
The visitors reacted well and just one minute later found themselves in on goal. Callum Larmouth drove at the Bishop defence and fired a shot towards goal which was parried by Liversedge. The ball fell to Regan Paterson who headed the ball back towards goal only for it to be cleared off the line.
As the first half progressed, the hosts began to enjoy most of the possession without causing the Allotment defence too many problems. On 34 minutes, Bishop then came close to breaking the deadlock as a shot was bent just wide of the post.
On 36 minutes, Allotment began to get a foothold of the game. Gilberto Chapim laid the ball off to Larmouth in the box after some dynamic attacking play only for the latter's goalbound shot to be blocked by a blue shirt.
Two minutes later, Mikel Thompson broke away down the right and fizzed an excellent ball across the penalty box. All it needed was a touch however, there was nobody on the end of the cross.
One final first half chance fell the way of West Allotment. Larmouth received the ball in a bit of space, he carried it forwards and unleashed a shot which zipped just wide of the post. The score level going into half time.
The boys in green began the second half in emphatic fashion - Similar to how we ended the first half. Larmouth broke the deadlock after picking his spot just inside the box and drilling the ball expertly into the bottom corner.
Allotment's lead was doubled on 54 minutes courtesy of that man again with his 15th goal of the season in all competitions. It was a stunning volley on his left foot that left Liversedge with no chance in the Bishop Auckland goal.
Despite trailing, the hosts continued to scrap and fight their way back into the game however, Michael Scott produced two pieces of brilliance to prevent that.
On 65 minutes, a long ball over the top of our defence allowed Bishops through on goal and 1-on-1 with Hodgson. However, a superb last ditch challenge from Scott denied the hosts of a goal.
On the 66th minute, Michael Scott again prevented a certain goal as he blocked a goal bound shot which looked like it was destined for the top corner.
Matty Hayton replaced Liam Beeston midway through the second half and Hayton almost netted a third for Allotment. Paterson played the ball into the box from the left and Hayton, on the stretch, toe-poked the ball inches wide.
One last chance fell the way of West Allotment in the 88th minute. Paterson, who had a lot of joy down the left flank all game, fired a shot towards goal from just outside the box only for the ball to cannon out of play off the bar.
Allotment were to hold on for a huge three points which could be pivotal come the end of the season.
West Allotment: Hodgson, Baltazar, Parkinson, Trodd, Scott (c), Beeston (Hayton 67'), Paterson, Chapim, Larmouth, Thompson, Martins
Goals: Larmouth (48', 53')
Attendance: 304
NEXT UP | We host North Shields on Tuesday evening (12/10/21) 7:30pm KO @ East Palmersville Sports Pavilion in the Northumberland Senior Cup