HONOURS SHARED IN LOCAL DERBY

This was an exciting local derby with end to end football and some late drama which ended with both sides getting a point. A draw is not to be sniffed at especially in such a competitive league but we will be disappointed at not collecting all 3 points after taking a 2 goal lead and seemingly being in control and then conceding 2 goals in the last 8 minutes of normal time. Our guests called this a calamity, which seems a bit harsh, but it certainly felt like 2 points lost rather than a point gained.

We haven’t quite got into our stride this season with just one win from 6 games and no clean sheets and whilst some of that is undoubtedly due to the absence of some key players a lot is probably due to the quality of the teams we have played which has been very high.

We took a strong Barking side to a replay in the FA Cup and lost to a late goal and then we travelled for a league match to MK Irish who have won all their 7 games scoring 20 goals in the process and conceding only 1. Even at this early stage they must be red hot favourites to win the league.

Our guests started the season off disastrously losing 5-0 at home to Arlesey Town but since then they have been rejuvenated and are still in the FA Cup where they will entertain Bognor Regis Town in the next round (and we wish them all the best for that game) - so we knew they would be tough opponents.

We certainly started the stronger with Harry Shepherd twice being denied by keeper Oscar Cole with terrific saves in the 8th and 10th minute. Later the keeper was unable to collect a long throw but Bailey Osborne stabbed the ball wide of the goal from close range. We were playing some lovely football and enjoyed more possession and territory. The keeper was called into action again in the 24th minute when he tipped over Jack Harvey’s header from a corner.

Our opponents were dangerous on the break but hardly troubled Dan Gould with Captain Jake Baldwin sending a couple of shots well wide. But as the game wore on Dynamos got more into the game and forced Dan Gould into tipping over a shot in the 26th minute. They followed that up with a dangerous free kick sent to the far post which resulted in a shot wide of the goal.

The half ended scoreless and perhaps we were a little unlucky not be a goal or two ahead. HT Score 0-0.

We got off to a dream start to the second half, opening the scoring after only 3 minutes from the restart. Lee Stobbs cross into the opposition area was not cleared and Jack Harvey latched onto the loose ball and calmly stroked it past the keeper. Score 1-0.

Fifteen minutes later we doubled our lead when Harry Jones cracked a terrific shot off the underside of the bar and Bailey Osborne was on hand to head the ball into the empty net to score his debut goal for the First Team. Score 2-0.

Ben Kakembo tested the keeper with a fierce shot and we looked in total control as we entered the last 8 minutes of normal time when suddenly it all went pear shaped with Jason Williamson heading in a near post corner in the 82nd minute and then 4 minutes later he hit a lovely swerving shot from outside the box to level the scores. FT Score 2-2.

Despite the disappointing result we must give credit to our opponents who are a good team with talented individuals who never gave up and for that reason they probably deserved a draw.

We now move on with an away fixture at Crawley Green on Saturday when hopefully we will have some players back. On a final note our subs bench was entirely made up of teenagers and it was encouraging to see them playing in the First Team.

Team: Dan Gould, Lee Stobbs (Mason Clarke 83), Adam Sawyer (James Sales 81), George Carbery (Capt), Harrison Cornick, Dylan Fitzpatrick (Charlie Bradshaw 71), Harry Beaumont, Harry Shepherd, Jack Harvey, Harry Jones (Mal Bowyer 81), Bailey Osborne (Ben Kakembo 64).

Man of the Match: Jack Harvey

Goals:

TA: Jack Harvey (48), Bailey Osborne (63)

AVD: Jason Williamson (82, 86)

Crowd: 156