Battling Draw at Bisley

Our first draw of the season was enough to keep us interested in the SHBL Division 1 title race. Bisley now hold the upper hand, but it is up to us to make sure we are on hand to take advantage of any possible slip ups.

Only two teams have ever taken points off Bisley at Lion's Sports so we knew the task facing us this morning was difficult.

After a dour first half with very little incident, we needed a rearguard action in the second half and an inspired Ryan Pardo-Roques to secure the point.

The pitch was not in the best condition and the size of it made it difficult for us to press Bisley, so instead we stood off and looked to hit them on the counter. Defensively it worked for long periods, but if there is a regret it is the fact that we struggled as an attacking threat and created few chances in the game.

That said, the best chance of the first half did fall to us as Simon Grout headed over Joey Stevens well delivered free kick. Ryan made one good stop at the other end, but we had limited Bisley to long range shots for the most part.

We were satisfied at half-time. More of the same and try to knick a goal, but Bisley certainly improved and after an hour or so it was clear that a draw would be a great result.

They hit the post from open play right at the start of the half and then hit the bar from a free kick although it looked like Ryan had it covered.

Grouty almost scored an own goal from a corner, but his header kissed the bar before going over.

Ryan made a couple of smart saves, but saved his best for around 18 minutes to go. A corner was headed down to their midfielder and 6 yards out he volleyed at goal, but Ryan made a magnificent reaction save to tip the ball over the bar. It was the best save of the season so far from Ryan as he continued his fine form from last weekend.

Our only real chance of the half came from a dubiously awarded free kick from a backpass, but Robbie Wilson saw his effort well blocked from just inside the area.

Bisley had a couple more half chances, but in the end we battled through to pick up what could be a valuable point and our second clean sheet against the league leaders this season.

How valuable this point will be we won't know until the end of the season, but on paper becoming the 3rd team ever to leave Bisley undefeated is something we should be happy with.

We now face Woking Tigers in a double header in the next two weeks.

MoM: Ryan - excellent display capped off with a fantastic save that was as good as a goal. Mentions for the defence who all excelled, especially Baulds who had a fine game.

Man of the Morning: Odgie - for the first time in our history a referee prevented one of our players from taking part due to the state Odg was in. Fair play for making it down though.

Massive thanks to Ads for running the line it is hugely appreciated.