AFC go through after penalties

AFC Dunstable enjoyed a penalty shoot out win over Chesham United Reserves on Wednesday night to reach round three of the Challenge Trophy.

Visiting boss Steve Heath decided to rest a few players, with a tough schedule coming up over the next couple of weeks as AFC went 1-0 up in the 42nd minute through Jimmy Hartley’s individual strike.

The second half exploded into life when the home side drew level with a splendid goal from Jack Harris and they were then ahead just after the hour mark from Jack Mace’s neat free kick.

Back came AFC though as Hartley doubled his goal tally for the night on 75 minutes.

Chesham thought they had won it when George Fenton netted but Fabio Bufano scored late on to send the tie into extra time.

Jonathan Cooper struck the bar and Louis Porcelli had to pull off a great save to keep Chesham out as the game went to penalties.

Cooper converted for AFC, while Porcelli saved Chesham’s first attempt.

There were no further misses from both sides as Hartley, Moses Olaleye, Bufano and Chris Mason scored for AFC to set up a third round tie with either Risborough Rangers or Colney Heath.

Heath said: “I decided to give a few of my experienced players a night off and use the squad to its full potential.

“With two young midfielders playing at full back and a couple more playing in positions they are not accustomed too, they showed they have the capabilities to turn their hands to any position.

“It was great to see Chris Mason back, as I have high hopes for him.”

AFC: Porcelli, Bishop, Griffiths, Bufano, Biggadike, Silvestri (Mason 45), Hartley, Hansard (Smith 67, Harvey 73), Cooper, Olaleye, Campbell.

Sub not used: Fallon.

Attendance: 65.