LUKE Lister spared Jersey Bulls’ blushes with a stunning 82nd-minute strike to rescue a 1-1 draw against Hayes & Yeading United at Springfield Stadium.
A depleted Bulls side hosted their fourth home fixture in the space of a fortnight beneath a glorious sunset but struggled to find their usual rhythm against a lively visiting outfit.
Elliot Powell’s men were without five regular members of their 16-man squad, and the disruption was evident as the league leaders struggled to impose themselves on proceedings.
Following a 20-minute delay to kick-off and a two-minute silence in remembrance, the opening exchanges were scrappy, with neither side able to gain a foothold.
Hayes & Yeading, however, looked more threatening than most visiting teams at Springfield, with Remy-Lee Bennison particularly lively down the right flank.
Chances were limited, although Lorne Bickley remained a threat for the hosts. Rhys Forster stood firm in the visitors’ goal, however, as a first half littered with misplaced passes and heavy touches ended goalless.
With 33 league matches unbeaten behind them, the Bulls were in danger of seeing that remarkable run come to an end unless they could find another gear after the break.
Powell made two changes shortly after half-time, introducing home debutant Lister for Jarma Mohamed and Miguel Carvalho for Fraser Barlow.
Despite the changes in personnel, it was the visitors who struck first.
After a spell of sustained pressure, Brendan Matthews latched onto a long ball and unleashed a superb volley into the bottom corner, leaving Euan Van der Vliet with little chance.
With the unbeaten run hanging in the balance, Lister produced a moment of magic to bring the Bulls level.
Jack Lumsden, who had been impressive at the heart of the defence, picked out the midfielder with a clever chipped pass towards the edge of the box. Lister took a fluid touch, swivelled and unleashed a sensational half-volley from 20 yards into the top-right corner.
It was a stunning finish from the Under-23s midfielder, who made the most of his opportunity off the bench to earn the league leaders a valuable point.
There was further good news for the Bulls elsewhere, with title rivals Bognor Regis Town also dropping points in a 3-3 draw at home to Hendon.
The result means Powell’s side remain top of the Isthmian South Central Division, retaining their one-point advantage over second place while extending their league unbeaten run to 34 matches.
