Thame United 3-3 AFC Dunstable
Thame United 3-3 AFC Dunstable
Southern League Division One Central
Saturday 6th April 2024
AFC Dunstable were left frustrated at not seeing a 3-1 lead out with seven minutes of normal time left when they looked on for the win.
Frustration was the story of the game though as AFC dominated periods but then faded on key occasions, conceding three poor goals in the process.
They made the best possible start when Ethan Holt did brilliantly to get to the byline and cut the ball back to Kyle Brooks who converted the opening goal in under a minute.
AFC were in buoyant mood and almost went two up in the 9th minute when Dan Idiakhoa went through on goal but his shot was saved by Archie Davis’ legs, followed by shot by Ben Weyman, which Davis easily claimed.
Thame had their first real effort on goal midway through the half before Arnold Matshazi tested Davis with a strike at the other end.
The half then changed direction in the favour of the hosts as AFC began to give the ball away too easily. Ryan Knight almost capitalised in the 25th minute when his shot was blocked on the line and a free header was also cleared off the line from the resulting corner.
In the 35th minute Brooks had a chance to return the favour to Holt but after rounding Davis he was just unable to cut the ball back to his team mate.
The home side drew level five minutes before the break in strange fashion. Jefferson Louis’ tame shot deceived Seb Stacey in the AFC goal and went straight into the net, although Knight was claiming a touch on the way in. Knight’s attempt to get a touch seemed distract Stacey as the free kick came in and the ball rolled into the empty net.
Against the run of play, man of the match, Weyman gave his side the lead again when he unleashed a rocket of a shot that moved in the air, catching Davis out as it flew almost through him and into the roof of the net, right on half time.
AFC were a touch fortunate to go in with the lead but a superb goal deserving of a player who performed well throughout.
Louis Walsh came on at the break for Eric Ameyaw to add a different dimension to the attacking play and was a threat all half. He instantly flashed a low cross into a dangerous area minutes after his entrance but no one was able to connect.
There weren’t many chances for either team until the 68th minute when United’s Harry Alexander had a shot on the AFC goal before the visitors’ counter attacked, having an attempt of their own seconds later. The OD’s then became sloppy in possession again through unforced errors, conceding a needless corner and uncharacteristic lack of ball retainment.
Ten minutes later though Weyman finished off play great play by Walsh down the right as he beat his man to cross for the midfielder to finish calmly from six yards out. The game looked like being in AFC’s control again but they conceded a poor goal with seven minutes left when a long straight ball caught out the defence and Knight was given time and space to pick his spot with ease.
Walsh almost restored the two goal lead in the 85th minute but saw his shot come back of the post and Davis’ back before the keeper gratefully gathered the ball.
It was Thame though who grabbed a point when another straight ball through the middle of the AFC backline found Knight to equalise with four minutes of normal time remaining.
The hosts were probably value for the draw as despite AFC being in control for the opening quarter and minutes around their last two goals Thame worked hard as the OD’s became frustrated with ball retention and conceding possession.
Team: Stacey; Deall (Stirland 19′); Bugyei-Kyei (Sade 57′); Weyman; Ameyaw (Walsh 46′); Idiakhoa; Nicolson; Holt; Matshazi; Brooks.
Subs not used: Ameganvi & Tamplin.
