Two points dropped as AFC are held by Welwyn

AFC Dunstable dropped two vital points in their quest for the SSML Premier Division title as they were held by Welwyn Garden City at the weekend.

The hosts had been forced into a change as Leon Cashman failed a fitness test so Terry Griffiths resumed as centre half, while Nathan Frater and Jermaine Hall came in for Josh Humbert for Danny Jones.

In a first half devoid of any decent chances, Frater’s strike was easily fielded by visiting keeper Freddie Hester.

After the break, AFC finally broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when a cross from Frater was fumbled over the line by Hester for an own goal.

However, City were back on level terms with 12 minutes to go, as Luke Robbins reached the byline, and his delivery was deflected into the net by Jason Beck.

AFC then went all out for the winner, but when Brandon Carney’s header crashed against the Citizens bar, they knew it wasn’t going to be their day.

It could have got worse for AFC, as Josh Bronti broke clear and could have won it for Welwyn but Ricky Perks saved well with his feet.

Boss Steve Heath said: “Welwyn are without doubt a tough proposition and could have sneaked a win near the end of the game as Ricky Perks denied them.

“The wind did no favours for either side, so the game was not the best”

AFC dropped five points behind leaders Hoddesdon, who beat Leverstock Green 3-0, with two games in hand.

They travelled to Codicote in the League Challenge Trophy last night, before visiting Harefield United in the league on Saturday.

AFC Team: Perks, Massay, N Carney, Beck, Griffiths, B Carney, Gorman, Olaleye, Christie, Humbert, Frater. Subs used: Cashman, Hall. Subs not used: Darby, Silvestri.