Didim Efeler 09 broke its recent losing streak in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Bayburt in front of about 1,000 supporters at the Ataturk Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Didim started slowly and nearly conceded a goal in the first minute as a free kick into the box saw the Bayburt striker hit the post with a header.

Didim was under pressure and struggling to get into the game. On 14 minutes, a cross was blasted at a Didim defender. It hit his hand being adjudged a penalty offence. One of those, if it goes for you, it’s great. If it’s against you, it’s harsh. A level of justice was done as the Bayburt striker came closer to hitting the corner flag than the goal with the shot.

It gave Didim the inspiration lacking up to that point. On 19 minutes, it created its first clear chance. A great cross left the Didim striker free, but somehow he managed to blast it over the top when it was easier to score.

The two teams cancelled each other out for a period as each tried to gain the upper hand. In the 32nd minute Didim could count themselves very unlucky. A strike from outside the area took a huge deflection. The ball could have gone anywhere. Sadly, it looped into the top corner to give Bayburt the lead.

The pendulum had swung as, moments later, Bayburt struck the post for the second time in the game. Didim was looking vulnerable. It took several minutes for Didim to wrestle back some control. Moments before half time a great run down the right saw the Didim winger cut into the penalty area and go down under a clear trip. For the second time in a few days, Didim was denied a clear penalty. The half finished with Bayburt leading 1-0.

Didim started the second half the stronger, eventually creating a shooting opportunity from the edge of the penalty area that flashed just wide. The pressure continued as a free kick in an advanced area found a free Didim player who missed the goal by a coat of paint.

On 65 minutes, the game changed again as Berkan Unal got himself sent off for a second yellow card. A touch of stupidity as the second was for arguing with the referee. It was a lack of discipline that could, on another day, have seriously hurt his team.

Didim took the feeling of being hard done by as inspiration. On 72 minutes we saw a contender for goal of the season. An excellent cross from the right saw Burak Goksel score with a superb overhead kick. A genuine piece of quality. Didim was deservedly back level.

Didim dominated the rest of the game despite being a man down. Several chances were created with the first seeing the Didim striker just run out of room in the penalty area, before a looping cross almost caught the Bayburt goalkeeper out as it landed on top of the crossbar.

An entertaining game came to a close with a draw being the fair result.

Didim Efeler 09 next play away to Yozgat on Sunday 10 November, before the next home game against 1923 Mustafakemalpasa on 16 November with a 2pm kick off.