Phelan earns Dunstable a point in opener as Barton sign eight
Dunstable FC kicked off their first season since the merger of Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable with a 1-1 draw against AFC Welwyn at Creasey Park on Friday night.
The hosts had trailed after just two minutes, when Courtney Massey's free kick beat Carlos Simeon low down to his left to find the net. A physical and scrappy half saw Welwyn edge it, but the second period proved to be a better one for the Blues, as they created several chances, but were unable to beat Lewis Everett in the visitors' goal.
He made fine saves from Owen Russell and Kyle Rahho, although was eventually beaten when a corner was headed home by Kai Phelan on 73 minutes. Jake Anthony and Dan Forde had opportunities to score, only to see them either blocked or fall wide of the target as the spoils were shared.
Dunstable were beaten 4-1 at Potton United on Tuesday night, as despite leading at the break through Nigel Webb’s first half goal, they conceded four times after the break to suffer a disappointing reverse. The Blues travel to Essex Senior League Premier Division side Ilford in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday.
» Barton Rovers have made a raft of new signings to their squad for the upcoming Southern League Division One Central campaign. Ben Renwick has moved to the Winton Haulage Stadium, along with former Kidlington striker Powfil Raposo. The pair have joined gifted winger Ayman Assas, while composed and hard-working midfielder Mustafi Said is also on board.
Meanwhile, Tom Chenery has agreed terms, plus Princewill Madu and Finley Canning, while Kian Wilkes has also returned to the club. Barton Rovers kick off their season in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday, as they head to Essex Senior League Premier Division side Romford. Chris Robson's side then get their league campaign up and running when visiting Hertford Town on Tuesday night.
» Crawley Green will start their SSML Division One season with a trip to Huntingdon Town on Saturday. The club are also on the road for the second game of the season when heading to Langford on Tuesday evening.
» Caddington continued their pre-season preparations with a 5-1 victory over Stopsley United at the weekend. The club have also announced that Jacob Taylor has joined the club for the new campaign, while Milton Tomlinson-Dennis and Olly Hibbitt have both agreed to stay.