Match Report: Dunstable Town 1-2 AFC Welwyn

Photo: Luka Lodder in action.

Written by James Smith

Photos by James Smith

It was a much improved performance from Dunstable Town despite the result against AFC Welwyn on Saturday.

They recovered well after conceding a goal in just the second minute of the game and could have reason to believe they deserved a point from the game.

It was the last game before joint managers Danny and Jamie Nicholls take over the team officially on Monday.

Town could have feared the worst when going behind so early when a cross from Coree Wilson found Markel Cousins in the box and he made no mistake in finding the net.

The Blues have lacked confidence of late and it was showing in the opening 15 minutes as passes were going astray.

They improved possession and attacking play soon after as Mulik Rickman shot on goal in the 21st minute but it was easily saved.

The equaliser came four minutes later when a driving run from James Sales down the left ended with an excellent cross to the far post where Luka Lodder rose superbly to send a curling header into the net.

Photo: Luka Lodder celebrates.

On 31 minutes JJ Kenna made a run forward but saw his shot go narrowly wide.

Soon after good work from Joe Caffery, who gave the Welwyn defence a hard time all game, couldn’t quite get enough on the ball to lob the keeper.

Against the run of play the visitors regained the lead when a long free kick into the box wasn’t dealt with and Dan Sears scored from close range.

Just before half time Dunstable had a shout for handball in the Welwyn box but nothing was given, then soon after Alex Butt’s shot was saved by Ashton Broome-Alexander.

Twelve minutes into the second period great play by man of the match Caffery saw him feed the ball to Sales who bursts into the box. His driven cross just missed the far post but he may have been better to shoot for goal.

Photo: James Sales crosses.

In the 74th minute fine play by Sales and Gleeson saw the latter cut the ball back to Caffery but his shot was saved.

There was limited goalmouth action for the remainder of the game but there was a much more positive atmosphere following a spirited performance from the Blues.

Team: Desmond; Kenna: Sales; Smith; J Russell; Rickman; Butt; Lodder; Caffery; Brown.

Subs: Mead; Clark; Watkins-Clark; Goulding and Gleeson.

Town Man of the Match: Joe Caffery (below).

Attendance: 289.