Simon Johnson’s Cityzens travelled to Surrey on Saturday afternoon to face high-flying British Airways as they make their Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North debut this season.  The league newcomers are currently sharing the home of Spelthorne Sports Football Club.

The game was action-packed from the off with the crowd treated to a spectacle of end-to-end football.

Our hosts started the game brightly and their first big chance to take the lead came with twelve minutes played. The pressure continued and with sixteen minutes played they were still trying to break the deadlock. Despite a number of corners and sustained pressure the game remained 0-0.

Shaun Aram eventually opened the scoring with twenty four minutes on the clock, putting our hosts 1-0 up.

Half Time: British Airways 1 v Reading City 0

City started the second half brightly and skipper Josh Baines equalised with a screamer on the half volley from 25 yards out  with 47 minutes on the clock.

British Airways danger man Shaun Aram spoilt the celebrations however as 3 minutes later, he restored their one goal lead and earnt himself a brace.

As the hour-mark approached Simon Johnson rang the changes with Josh Baines, Lamin Sanko and Max Laschok making way for Joe Pilling, Bobbi Emery and Ben Hutchings.

British Airways were reduced to ten-men with 68 minutes played as Spencer Maw was sin binned.

Simon Johnson made another two changes with 70 minutes on the clock as Eddie Lazarczuk and Ewan Lynch were replaced with Will Shaw and Luke Donville.

City were awarded a penalty with 70 minutes played and Pele Hagger converted from the spot to keep us in the game.

With the scores level frustrations began to boil over on both sides and a flurry of cards were issued with Frankie Major and Alfie Essex shown yellow for our hosts and City’s Eddie Lazarczuk also cautioned.

With 77 minutes played City took the lead with an effort from Liam Baker.

In the final ten minutes British Airways turned to their bench in the hope of getting a result from this game and Gibson Deante, Aron Woldu and Ramarne Griffith-Dunbar replacing Frankie Major, Alfie Finnan and Daniel Boswell.

Liam Baker was booked with 90+1 minutes on the clock.

Deep into injury time, City frustratingly conceded a penalty which Tyler Hayles converted to secure a point for British Airways.

With 90+6 minutes  played Reece Jones was booked for the hosts.

Full Time: British Airways 3 v Reading City 3

City’s disappointing away form continues as they are yet to win on the road, but will look forward to four consecutive home games kicking off on Tuesday night when they welcome Holyport to the Rivermoor in an all-Berkshire Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North clash.