Lion FC rue the chance to claim three points, despite coming from behind twice to earn a draw away at DRG Frenchay Reserves.
The two sides met for the third time this season, with Lion FC having earlier prevailed in both league and cup.
After the early exchanges, the match looked to be progressing in line with the form book, as Lion created a host of chances including Al Moores’ powerful volley which rattled the cross bar.
There were other chances too, with the central midfield trio combining well and driving forward with the ball, creating chances for the dangerous Mohamed Rabia and maintaining pressure on DRG. Lion’s ability to get the ball in dangerous areas without fully capitalising on the pressure would prove to be a theme throughout the game.
Another golden opportunity fell to central defender Steve Moss, who rose above the DRG defenders to head towards goal from a Lion corner, only to see his effort cleared off the line.
Sadly Steve didn’t have to wait long before seeing the net bulge, scoring an own goal only minutes later with an attempted headed clearance from a DRG cross.
The first half ended with Lion 1-0 down, with DRG defending doggedly and frustrating the Lion frontline.
Second Half
DRG doubled their league quickly in the second half, as Lion missed several opportunities to clear the bouncing ball, only to see an excellent finish fly past Ross Jones into the Lion net.
Despite being two goals down, Lion continued to maintain a short-passing style, seeking to play through the lines and get in behind the DRG back line. Nonetheless, manager Luke Brimble changed the formation to back 3 allowing Lion to push more men forward.
The formation change seemed to take effect quickly as chances continued to come for Lion FC, Steve Moss once again finding himself in space from a corner, his looping header striking the woodwork. It took a goalkeeping error, however, for Lion to open their account, with the effervescent Rabia pouncing after the fortunate fumble.
Lion continued to press and found the equaliser shortly after. Substitute Josh Armstrong, recently back from injury, was the provider with a quality delivery from a deep free kick. The DRG defender had to challenge for the header, but peddling backwards managed only to deflect it into his own net.
Although Lion were clearly the dominant team in terms of possession and territory, DRG still posed several dangers, especially as Lion refused to sit back and settle for the point. With a combination of strong hold up play and pacey runners from midfield, Lion FC had to be on their guard.
Desperate for three points, Lion continued to press forward and thought they had taken the lead for the first time in the contest when Dan Jones, also back from injury, coolly slotted home after sprinting onto a deflected through ball. The Lion celebrations were quickly muted though, as Jones was flagged for offside, with what must have been an incredibly marginal call. Lion also came close through a Beard free kick, forcing a smart save from the opposition keeper.
The game was to see more goals, with DRG taking the lead against the run of play. Lion once again paid the price for failing to clear the bouncing ball, with the DRG substitute, Ivan, volleying home impressively with his left foot.
The lead didn’t last long however, with perhaps the best team goal of the game giving Lion the equaliser. After Josh’s lofted through ball found Mo on the right flank, once again behind the DRG back line, Mo played it back to Ryan Robinson in midfield. Taking a touch to set himself, Robinson then delivered a pinpoint cross which was headed home by Lion FC’s top scorer, Jace Esof.
This proved to be the last decisive attack of the game, with Lion failing to find the cutting edge in a frenetic last 10 minutes, the chaotic encounter ending in a 3-3 draw.
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