Djalo’s Strike Not Enough as Didcot Snatch Late Point at the NL Services Stadium
Bristol Manor Farm were finally back in league action on home turf after their scheduled opener was switched to Willand. They looked eager to make up for lost time, starting brightly and nearly taking the lead inside minutes. Tom Blake’s persistence kept the ball in play, finding Brandon Bak, who slipped in skipper Elliott Nicholson. His low drive beat the keeper, only for defender Carnell to clear off the line.
Blake continued to pull the strings and tested visiting keeper Leigh Bedwell himself after a strong run through midfield. Bedwell then denied Farm again, standing tall to block Bak when the forward raced clear midway through the half. From set pieces Farm were also dangerous, with Jake Wilson heading narrowly wide before Anthony Odot flicked another just over.
The second half opened with Bak dazzling the Didcot defence before striking the post from close range. At the other end, the visitors spurned a golden chance when Duggan fired wide from the penalty spot after a smart move down the left.
Farm’s breakthrough came courtesy of a bold change from Will Justin. Substitute Mo Djalo made an instant impact, latching onto Bak’s clever lifted pass before curling a superb finish into the far corner.
The lead, however, didn’t last. With ten minutes remaining, Didcot captain Adam Learoyd rose unmarked at the back post from a corner to head home the equaliser. The visitors almost stole all three points late on when Owen James unleashed a spectacular 30-yard volley, but James Walker produced a flying save to tip it wide.
Farm were left frustrated, with Djalo’s moment of quality ultimately only enough to secure a share of the spoils.