A stoppage time winner by Andre Bennett lifted Bishop Auckland well away from the relegation zone when they beat Dunston at Heritage Park last night.

Bishops were on top in the first half, and took the lead when Thomas McAloon crossed from the left for Ian Ward to volley home from a few yards.

Andy Johnson had two low shots saved by Dunston keeper Aiden Grant, and they seemed set for victory when Dunston had Ben Pollock, son of former Boro star Jamie who was in the crowd, sent off for a last man foul on 55 minutes.

Dunston’s Liam Thear sprinted through to level on 56 minutes, and even though Bishops went close through Darryl Hall and Johnson had a penalty appeal turned down, they couldn’t break through until the second minute of stoppage time, when Andre Bennett fired home..

Marske United, meanwhile, are now just two points behind leaders Morpeth after they comfortably won 4-0 at bottom club Billingham Synthonia, with goals by Glen Butterworth, Leon Carling, Curtis Round and Craig Gott.