After last week’s disappointment the Bisons were back in league action against fellow strugglers Newbold. Early into the game the Bisons had an opportunity from a free kick just outside the box and Harvey saw his effort hit the wall. From the early exchanges it looked like the Bisons had the edge and from a training ground long throw from Jamie, Ben found himself in space at the far post following Duncan's flick-on but he was unable to keep his header down. With the Bisons winning much of the ball in midfield and Owen having the beating of the right back opportunities were being created. On one such occasion As the Duncan found space in the penalty area and as he tried to turn was brought down by a defender’s straying leg. Dylan stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way placing the ball in the bottom left corner. 1-0
A second long throw from Jamie was again flicked on by Duncan but neither Kiran or Ben could get a touch at the far post. Despite the Bison's pressure Newbold was showing more positive signs going forward and nearly made it 1-1 with a well struck shot going narrowly wide. Kiran and Ben were working well together on the right and as the ball was played into Kiran he produced a ‘Cruyff -like’ turn which was too good for the left back and his cross was inch perfect to the far post where Owen was unmarked, and he calmly nodded the ball home. 2-0
Minutes later it could have been three as a long kick from Harry found Owen and his low cross was nearly turned in by had Duncan at the back post. Newbold were still asking questions of the Bisons defence and a one on one with Harry saw the striker pull his shot past the post when he really should have scored. Minutes later they had another chance when a ball down the left drew Harry out of goal and the striker thought he had scored but Ravi had got back to clear off the line. As half-time approached Newbold were clearly on top and had it not been for a superb save by Harry getting down quickly low to his right it would have been 2-1 after 45 minutes.
Immediately on the restart Newbold had a free kick and another great save by Harry kept the scores level. With the Bisons struggling to get hold of the ball, another through ball had Harry racing out of goal to challenge the onrushing forward. Although he got a significant amount of the ball the referee adjudged Harry to be too aggressive and awarded a penalty. Anywhere else on the pitch it would have been deemed a good challenge. Harry was given no chance with the penalty as it was struck hard and low into the bottom right-hand corner. 2-1
Incredibly the bisons conceded again minutes later following the award of another penalty, which also seemed soft. Even the opposition bench wondered why it had been given. 2-2
Emotions were running high and the Bisons were struggling to maintain their shape and composure and only another great save by Harry down near the post prevented a third goal. The momentum was clearly with Newbold and when the ball was lost on the left side the low cross was bundled in at the far post. 2-3
At this point heads could have dropped but the Bisons are made of sterner stuff and an excellent piece of interchange between Dylan and Ben on the right found Duncan in space and his shot into the top far left corner gave the goalkeeper no chance. 3-3
The Bisons had found a much needed second wind and started to dominate possession and created a series of half chances. The best fell to Owen but his shot on the angle was saved by the keeper. At 3-3 the game was there to be won by either side but the Bisons suddenly found themselves down to 10 men as the referee, who was taking charge of his first adult game, sent Jamie to the ‘sin bin’ for dissent. One wonders whether referees in previous games realise this punishment is available to them given the antics of certain opposition.
With the man advantage Newbold began to press and a thunderous shot smacked against the bar with Harry beaten. Despite the 10 men the Bisons were showing great determination and nearly went ahead from a corner, but Duncan couldn’t keep his header on target. With the Bisons defence holding strong the ball was worked through midfield and Harvey found Owen on the left who cut in and found Joe who them played a clever back heel to Dylan who was then in space with the goal at his mercy. Tired limbs and a tightening hamstring prevented Dylan from striking the ball as he would have wished and his effort cleared the bar with the ‘keeper beaten. It didn’t matter as minutes later Dylan picked up a bouncing ball wide on the right with his back to goal, swivelled and skyed the ball towards goal. Despite the sizeable frame of the ‘keeper the ball bounced beyond him and into the net. Mayhem ensued and the disappointment of the last- minute goal conceded the week before was duly forgotten as Dylan was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates. 4-3
With only minutes to go surely a victory for the Bisons, but hearts were in mouths as direct from the kick off Newbold sent the ball towards goal and with Harry off his line had it been on target the trajectory was such that it would have been 4-4. In the dying seconds a final free kick saw the Newbold keeper advance up the pitch but as the ball lobbed into the air Harry gratefully took the catch and there the victory was sealed.
A hard-fought match played in great spirit by both sides saw the Bisons come out on top and but for a couple of dubious penalties could and perhaps should have been more comfortable but credit to the opposition for pushing all the way. Yet again the Bisons showed great spirit and endeavour and a real desire to win even when the cards seemed stacked against them.
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