AFC Dunstable held to Hillingdon Borough draw

A close encounter saw AFC Dunstable held to a 1-1 home draw by Hillingdon Borough in the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division on Saturday.

Rob Laney put the visitors ahead on 19 minutes, but Courtney Massey levelled 14 minutes later to earn AFC a share of the spoils.

Boss Steve Heath said: “For an hour we looked the better side, but we seem to tire far too quickly.

“It is great to see Chris Francis back in the side, as it gives me a spearhead up front.

“Fabio Bufano is a good signing and once settled in will make a good strong partnership with Matt Langston, as both have higher league experience.”

The home team welcomed back two old faces in Francis up front, after his hernia operation, and ex-skipper James Baldry slotting in at left-back.

New signing from Bedford Town Bufano, meanwhile, partnered the fit-again Langston in the centre of defence as AFC named the strongest side of Heath’s short reign.

AFC were soon on the front foot as Connor Smith and Francis linked up well.

Smith worked hard to create an opening on 11 minutes, but shot wide, before the hosts should have taken the lead two minutes later, but Francis fired over the bar.

With AFC still pushing forward they were hit on the counter when a long hopeful ball was held up in the wind and, as Ryan Darby hesitated, Laney nipped in to score.

With the wind a major factor on the day, a scrappy game developed as neither team could take a foothold.

AFC finally drew level though when Francis’ shot was blocked on the line and the rebound fell to Massay to fire home.

The home side enjoyed most of the ball after the break as Matthew Faley had to make a couple of smart saves from Langston and Bufano from corners.

A second goal looked on the cards for AFC, but Borough suddenly upped their game with Sam Hurrell a real handful up front.

Darby was called on to make a smart save as Baldry was robbed of the ball, while Sam Sharples went on a mazy run, but made the wrong decision as he squandered the opportunity.

AFC are due to go to London Tigers on Tuesday and on Saturday host Harefield United.

Attendance: 21.