Dronfield Woodhouse F.C...1 AFC Walton...2
AFC faced stiff opponents Dronfield Wodhouse at Carr Lane Rec Ground this afternoon. Benny had to make changes with Mitchell and Miles starting a two match ban apeice, after the double sending off against Hosetech three weeks previous. He went for a more defensive 4-4-2 formation, bringing Lee Whitehead into the back four, whilst Paul Walton took up the strikers role, along side Lee Wright. They got off to a flying start with Ricky Silcock finding the darting run of Danny Brown up the right wing, his cross was chested down by PAUL WALTON who steddied himself and fired home after just 2 mins. AFC continued to press forward down the slope, causing the hosts plenty of problems.
Just before the quater hour Lee Walton went on a powerful run, winning a corner for the visitors. The kick was swung in by Bennett, but Goodwins powerful header went just over;.Furniss who had been a virtual spectator until now, had to be alert to save, when Dronfields winger cut inside and shot first time. The visitors were all over the hosts with Bonson looking to play in the front two at every opportunity. At the back Whitehead was coping well with the assurance of Bettney alongside him. On 25 mins Wright was played through, but his shot was well saved. A Dronfield free kick just after the half hour caused a scramble in the AFC defence, but resulted in another fine save by Furniss. Manager Benny was asked to leave the area around the pitch soon after, when he challenged the Referees decision, not for the first time in the match, as Dronfield just started to come into the game. At the other end Paul Walton went close again, with a rasping free kick that was well saved at the second attempt. HALF TIME Dronfield Woodhouse...0 AFC Walton...1.
Bonson, who had left the field at halftime limping, with his calf muscles tightening up, lasted just one and a half minutes into the restart, with the returning Megyesi taking his place, who had been on a long family holiday. AFC continued to press, but had to be aware of the threat of the hosts making the most of the slope. A quick reshuffle saw Silcock and Brown swap places, with Browns pace an obvious advantage whilst defending. Wright caused Dronfield problems with darting breaks with the strength of Paul Walton alonside him pushing the hosts back. Dronfield were dangerous with long throws that were pinged in to the back post, causing the visitors a few problems.
AFC drew the next blood in front of goal on 76 mins Wright raced clear onto a through ball, one on one with the last defender, who, as the striker shaped to shoot, took his standing leg. He was allowed amazingly to stay on the pitch, not just for the foul, but kicked the ball away afterwards, and recieving only a yellow card. When the dust had settled BETTNEY strode up, to slide the spot kick home, taking the keeper the wrong way for 2-0.
Dronfield turned the game on its end with just 10 mins remaining, grabbing a goal back after a scramble where a Whitehead clearance appeared to strike the host players arm before the ball was bundled home, but the Ref waved away the defences protests, and the goal stood. The hosts pushed forward lifted by the and went close again soon after, but Silcock cleared the danger. AFC were really on the back foot on 82 mins after a robust but seemingly good tackle drew the Refs dissaproval, and the Red Card was waved, leaving the hosts to battle on in defence for he last 8 mins or so. The defining moment of the game came with 4 mins to go when Furniss made a save of WORLD CLASS proportions, plunging to his right to push away a clear goalbound effort. As the game came to a close AFC's nerve held firm and a vital 3 points were gained, with a real captains performace from Bettney. FULL TIME SCORE Dronfield Woodhouse F.C....1 AFC Walton.....2
