Manager Jamie Poole and his players will be keen to move on from a tough night against this season’s promotion favourites. Most teams will find Bishop Auckland hard to live with and losing to a side of their quality is no disgrace.

The home side made just one change from Saturday’s highly-encouraging 2-2 draw at Whitley Bay, with Reece Littlefair returning as one of three centre-backs.

Town’s task was made all the harder when they finished the match with 10 men following the dismissal of ‘keeper Oli Swan. But the points were disappearing up the A1 long before that.

Bishops’ opening goal after 16 minutes was crucial – and unfortunate for Northallerton. Full-back Dane Burlace swung in a routine cross that normally would have been cleared, but instead the ball appeared to deflect off a defender’s boot into the net.

It was always going to be a stiff challenge from there against a side who dominated possession during the first half. Swan made a couple of crucial saves to deny the visitors and Vinnie Steels hit a post shortly before the break.

Northallerton brought on fresh young legs at the start of the second half in the shape of teenagers Lucas Bramley and Joseph Townsend. Their energy certainly gave Bishops more to think about and succeeded in getting the team further up the field.

But the result was never in doubt following the visitors’ second goal on 53 minutes, expertly placed into the corner from 20 yards by John Howard. Gary Martin scored their third from the penalty spot 10 minutes later after the referee adjudged a handling offence.

Swan saw red after 73 minutes when he rushed out of his area and collided with substitute Ben Jordison. Both players received treatment before the referee reached for his card.

Town fought hard to the end and received tremendous encouragement from their highest home attendance for three years.

Northallerton Town: Swan, Coatsworth (Townsend 46), Myers, Tomlinson, Littlefair, Allen (Bramley 46), Darville, Boucher, Healy (Fairless 73), Hopson (Kitching 79), Sartini (Taylor 79).

Bishop Auckland: Bland, Burlace, Robertson, Hume, Potter, Brown, Jarvie (Nelson 62), Thompson, Martin, Howard, Steels (Jordison 67).

Subs not used: Neale, Hepper, Darke.

Att: 427.