Kings Langley 4-2 AFC Dunstable
Kings Langley 4-2 AFC Dunstable
Southern League Division One Central
Saturday 16th March 2024
AFC Dunstable had an uncharacteristic off day in Hertfordshire on Saturday despite a good start and taking the lead with a goal from Daniel Idiakhoa.
Langley forced the early pressure in the opening minutes with a shot that ended with a corner which AFC cleared.
Ben Weyman almost broke free in the 5th minute but was flagged offside as he went through on goal.
Idiakhoa made the breakthrough eight minutes later when he capitalised on a mistake in the hosts defensive area and fired his team into the lead but from then on AFC were second best for most of the game.
Langley drew level just three minutes later when Yoav Sade brought down an opponent in the area. Former OD’s player Louie Collier made no mistake from the spot.
The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute when Michael Adu-Poku was able to bring the ball down and score from close range.
Rico Greco had a shot saved before mazy run almost ended in a goal but his finish was off target.
He had the opportunity to draw his team level five minutes before the break when a team mate was pushed in the box and a penalty was awarded, which he calmly converted.
It looked like the spark they needed to go on a win the game but it was not to be Isaac Pedro was allowed time and space to score from a few yards out just before half time.
Tra Lucas had a shot blocked while Sade headed over the rebound as AFC headed into the break a goal behind.
Changes were made at the interval with Kyle Brooks and Kwado Bugyei-Kyei come on for Sade and Greco.
Seb Stacey made a superb low save to keep the deficit to one, six minutes into the second half as Langley looked to extend their lead.
Arnold Matshazi then whipped in a cross but there was no one on the end of it to convert. He then had a shot go over the bar on the hour mark.
AFC were beginning to get frustrated with the way the game was panning out. Idiakhoa was booked for a late tackle then Callum Nicolson was also shown a yellow card shortly after Weyman’s indirect free kick for a back pass was blocked.
With thirteen minutes left Max Rosner shot narrowly wide from distance but thirty seconds later the ball was in the back of the net at the other end. Another close-range finish saw Jermaine Howe hold off his marker to put the game virtually out of reach.
AFC kept going with Matshazi who had the ball in the net but was ruled offside in the 84th minute before Gabriell Ortelli pulled off a great save to deny the striker in injury time.
Weyman then had another free kick blocked as a frustrating day drew to a close.
It was only AFC’s third defeat in twelve league games and many positives can be taken from the recent run. It just wasn’t meant to be on Saturday.
Team: Stacey; Sade (Brooks 46′); Greco (Bugyei-Kyei 46′); Weyman; Stirland; Rosner; Idiakhoa; Nicolson; Deall; Matshazi; Lucas (Tamplin 65′).
Subs not used: Ameganvi & Staszewski.
