After a wet and dreary evening and morning threatened the fixture, the skies cleared just in time for kick-off, and AFC Bentley’s clash with Dinnington Town got the green light to go ahead under beautiful South Yorkshire sunshine.
Dinnington Town were aiming to maintain their incredible 100% start to the season and notch up a 13th consecutive win. However, a resilient AFC Bentley side proved to be formidable hosts, holding the league leaders to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Dinnington knew that visiting Bentley’s home ground would be no easy task. The hosts have earned a reputation as a tough side to break down, and with both teams battling for supremacy, it was clear this would be no straightforward outing for the visitors.
Dinnington Town started brightly and took control of the game from the first whistle, looking to impose their usual attacking rhythm.
It didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off. In the 9th minute, some superb work down the flank from Cam Evans carved open the Bentley defence. Evans showed great skill and composure to beat his marker and deliver a pinpoint cross into the box. Logan Liggins, Dinnington Town’s in-form forward, was on hand to meet the delivery and calmly slot the ball into the net, giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
It was a dream start for Dinnington, and Liggins' goal marked his fifth in three matches, highlighting his clinical finishing ability.
The early strike set the tone for what looked like it could be another dominant display from the league leaders.
Despite falling behind, AFC Bentley showed no signs of being rattled. They slowly grew into the game, creating a few half-chances and forcing Dinnington’s backline to stay alert.
The hosts' persistence was rewarded in the 40th minute when they won a free kick just outside the Dinnington penalty area.
Up stepped Bentley's set-piece specialist, who curled a stunning effort over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Dinnington Town's goalkeeper with no chance.
It was a moment of pure quality, and the equaliser sent the home fans into raptures.
At 1-1, the game was back on level terms, and both teams went into the break knowing there was still everything to play for.
The second half began with the same intensity as the first, but the dynamics of the game shifted dramatically in the 49th minute. Dinnington Town were dealt a major blow when Logan Liggins, the scorer of their opening goal, was shown a straight red card.
With 10 men on the pitch, Dinnington Town had to dig deep to maintain their defensive shape and resist the mounting pressure from AFC Bentley.
The home side sensed an opportunity to exploit the extra space and pushed forward, but the Dinnington Town backline stood firm, showing resilience and composure to keep the scores level.
As the match progressed, both sides had chances to snatch all three point but neither team found the decisive goal.
The 1-1 draw may have ended their 100% record, but their grit and determination were on full display, particularly in the face of adversity after the sending-off.
Dinnington Town’s 13-match unbeaten streak now consists of 12 wins and a draw, and while they may have lost their perfect record, they remain the team to beat at the top of the table.
They’ll be eager to return to winning ways next week as they look to bounce back fro this setback.
Dinnington Town are next in action on Saturday 26th October, at home to Ollerton Town in the Black Dragon Premier Division North. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.