Posted by Hugh on November 16, 2007, 3:03 pm
Allied Counties League Premier Division Wednesday 14th November 2007
Bisley Sports (0)4
Oxford City (2)4 (og 24, Holmes 35, Bruno 87, Gotch 89)
City battled their way to a creditable draw away to Bisley.
City were decimated by injuries and unavailability but started brightly, passing the ball well in extremely cold conditions at Farnborough. Corey Forbes, who was full of running and invention, was causing the Bisley backline problems and it was from one of his crosses that a Bisley defender headed into his own net.
City continued to attack and a Rhys Denton free kick was met by an elegant flick of the head by Tom Holmes to put City further ahead.
Bisley made three changes at half-time and took the game to a tiring City side. Alex Williams made a couple of good saves but was powerless as the defence parted to let Sedu run through and score after 58 minutes. Seven minutes later Bisley were on level terms. Williams turned Wilcock’s header on to the post but Wilcock reacted first to score.
Earlier this season at Court Place Farm City had lost to Bisley after going two up, and it seemed that history was repeating itself when the speedy Sedu, the division’s top scorer, completed his hat-trick with a penalty on 71 minutes after Williams was adjudged to have fouled him, and another good run and finish on 83 minutes.
City, however, showed great team spirit and came right back at Bisley. Dominic Bruno, who ran himself to a standstill up front, lobbed the goalkeeper delicately to give City fresh hope. A flurry of corners followed and it was from one of these that Jon Gotch deftly flicked home a deserved equaliser.
City continued to press and Bisley’s number 3, who had made amends for his earlier own goal with two excellent goal-line clearances in the first half, saved Bisley again when he headed off the line with the keeper beaten.
All of the City players deserve the highest praise for their spirit and teamwork under difficult circumstances. Dean Holmes likewise deserves great credit for moving up to the manager’s chair in place of the unavailable Duncan Colwell.
City face Reading Town at home on Wednesday 21 November.
Team: Alex Williams – Padraic Folan, Kallum Conlon, Rhys Denton, Richard Higgs (sub Aaron Davies 57 min) – Kyle Harris, Lawrence El Kassir, Tom Holmes, Jon Gotch – Corey Forbes, Dominic Bruno.
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