Pure Football 3–3 Bristol City

City remain unbeaten in League Eight, but will be disappointed to have surrendered a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw away at Pure Football.

City made a strong start and took the lead after just ten minutes, with Meddy Deschamps grabbing his first goal for the club following good work from Jack Smith. More chances came and went for the London Robins, but it was Pure who struck next, heading home from a corner shortly before half-time to send the sides in level at the break.

It didn’t take City long to regain the lead. Almost immediately after the restart, a long ball from the back sent Nick Bellamy in to challenge, with the Pure defender catching him high and leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot. Ben Earle stepped up and made no mistake from the penalty.

City then extended their advantage through Sam Sayer. A trademark Jack Lowe long throw caused problems in the Pure box and Sayer was there to slot home for 3-1. It could already have been his second of the afternoon, having seen a first-half effort ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The major turning point of an eventful second half came when Sayer had the ball in the net for a third time following another scramble in the box. City thought they had a 4-1 lead, only for the Pure linesman to raise his flag. After a lengthy discussion, the referee eventually agreed with the offside decision and the goal was ruled out.

Rather than being three goals clear, City were made to pay as Pure struck twice late on to rescue a point and bring the London Robins’ 100% start to the league season to an end.

A frustrating afternoon given the position City found themselves in, but another point on the board and the unbeaten start to League Eight continues.