AFC Bentley 2 - 6 Dinnington Town

A miserable afternoon for football with a good few games succumbing to the elements however it was game on at The Avenue, Bentley. Dinno came here on the back of a good win last time out at home to Thorne Colliery and were looking to gain back to back wins and it seemed today was going to be one of those days but it was Dinno who would run out eventual comfortable winners, a game of a red card that looked to be harsh on the lad, a wonder goal from Brad Sedgwick and some strange decisions left the few in attendance scratching their heads. 

A slow start from the away side who were really struggling to get going and despite this were playing some good football, linking the play up well but just lacking that killer instinct when it really mattered. Time and again the ball was finding its way to the feet of the attackers but they just couldn't make it count. There were times when a shot would be the better option instead of trying to go through. Chances came and went for the away side and it felt like it was going to be one of those afternoons for Dinno, playing good football and no reward coming from it. 

It wasn't long before the inevitable happened, Dinno were to find themselves a goal down, a clever ball lifted in behind and the Bentley man ran in behind and put the ball past Branchy to give the hosts an undeserved lead on the balance of the game up to this point. Dinno needed a little more urgency and cutting edge if they were to get anything from the game, a good save down to his right kept Bentley one to the good and it wasn't long before Cam Evans was having some joy down the Dinno right and delivered a peach of a ball only for the header to be straight at the keeper. By now Dinnington were starting to have some real joy and the chances were still coming, a good move involving Liam Bryan, Brandon Ashmore and Cam Evans saw a cut back to Aaron Moxam who scuffed his shot and the danger passed.

It wasn't long before Dinno were back on level terms, Liam Bryan was starting to get a hold of the ball and driving at the Bentley defence, he beat a few players, in to the area before firing the visitors level, in all fairness it was more than what Dinno deserved. By now Liam Bryan had took a hold of the game running at the home defence time and again and started causing a few problems and the ball made its way to Moxam who just couldn't get the ball out of his feet. Half time came with the scores all square, Dinno really should have been in front on the balance of play. 

The second half got underway and an early free kick was awarded to Dinno, Brandon Ashmore struck his effort well forcing the keeper to tip it over the top and a succession of corners followed for Dinno and were unlucky not to bundle the ball over with it dropping just wide and out for another corner, not long after the ball was with Cam Evans and his deep ball over drifted harmlessly out of play. A decent start to the half from Dinno who were pushing to take the lead. As it goes Dinno were to find themselves a goal behind again, the back line switched off, ball in behind again and 2 - 1 Bentley. 

Mike Golland found himself in the bin for dissent, a strange one really considering a similar incident went unpunished for the home side in the first half but that's how it goes. Still Dinno were pushing, desperate to get something. As it was Aaron Moxam picked up the ball on the right, came inside and fired Dinno level for the second time. The momentum was with Dinno now and started to take control, Mike Golland found Brad Sedgwick who took a touch and played a beauty of a ball over the top, Moxam beat his man rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home to give Dinno the advantage for the first time. The fourth for Dinno wasn't long in coming, Gordon-Hides had a hold of the ball midfield and set off down the left, he was fouled in the process but the referee played a good advantage and Brandon Ashmore made it 4- 2 to Dinno and the offending Bentley was booked for the challenge. Soon after Bentley were down to 10, Brandon Ashmore had the ball on the left and the Bentley 6 tracked back and subsequently fouled Ashmore, the referee spoke to the offender and brandished the red card and in all fairness the lad can count himself unlucky to be sent off. 

The moment of the game was to follow from Brad Sedgwick, a ball from the left hand side, Sedgwick took a touch and his second was a beautifully struck looping volley in to the back  of the net, a goal worthy of winning any game never mind to put a side 5 - 2 up. An absolute wonder goal. Dinno weren't done there though, a sixth was smashed home by Moxam to complete his hat trick for the visitors. 

A good result for Dinno despite two moments of defensive lapses costing them but they came through and run out deserved winners. On another day it could have been a lot worse and it was nice to finally come away from Bentley with the three points. Yes there were times of frustration during the game but it wasn't to be one of those days at the final whistle.

As always the players showed their appreciation to the supporters who had made the trip out to Bentley. 

We move on to a home game Tuesday night against Newark Town and hopefully we can go in to Christmas on the back of another win. 

Thank you for your continued support.