Report by Dan Legg
The Dynamos travelled to local rivals Risborough Rangers in high spirits following an impressive victory at Ardley United just three days prior, however the heat proved to take its toll on both sides, in a somewhat lacklustre game with few clear-cut opportunities. Sam Pekun caused the Dynamos back-line issues all evening, exhibiting his lightning pace early on to create an opening for Martin Griggs, but Dan Wilson was privy to the danger and cleared the cut back destined for the ex-Aylesbury man.
Alfie Gaspar showed glimpses of individual brilliance at the weekend and was looking to build on that performance this evening. After showing composure to overcome two defensive challenges, his whipped ball was collected by gifted teenager Abu Khan, whose goal bound shot was blocked by the legs of familiar face Davis Haule with the rebound gathered by Jack Sillitoe in the Rangers net before Jacob Troughton-Smith could react to the loose ball.
Referee Adam Jackson awarded the Dynamos a dubious penalty on 42 minutes after Davis Haule was adjudged to of handled the ball in the area. Dan McAteer struck the spot-kick low and hard to the bottom right corner, but Jack Sillitoe guessed the right way and made a smart save.
Alex Woodfine attempted a spectacular volley early in the second half from a Joe Fitzgerald cross but could only smash the ball into the turf and over the crossbar, before Lewis Merridan saw a low effort from 18 yards well saved by the large frame of Sillitoe. Despite being on the back-foot for long periods Risborough took the lead on 68 minutes. Bertie Squire-Adams took advantage of a defensive error and made his way to the right-hand by-line before setting up Martin Griggs at the back post for the easiest of tap ins.
The Dynamos struggled to recover after conceding, with the clammy conditions appearing to have sucked the energy out of the boys in yellow and blue. Risborough skilfully slowed the tempo of the game down and restricted any real attacks from the visitors until late on.
In what proved to be the final meaningful action of the game Alfi Touceda slotted in full back turned winger Sean Barker, who attempted to lift the ball over the onrushing Jack Sillitoe but his shot although on target, lacked any real power and Joel Reid covered the ground to clear the ball off of the unguarded goal line.
Squad – Harry James, Joe Fitzgerald, Dan Wilson, Lewis Strafford, Dan McAteer, Dan Ball, Sean Barker, Tom Cranmer, Roy Bryon, Lewis Merridan, Alfi Touceda, Alfie Gaspar, Jacob Troughton-Smith, Kai Stocks, Abu Khan, Alex Woodfine, Jacob Lowe, Shane Smith, Keith Mupfururirwa
Next Up – Berkhamsted (A) – 30th July 19:45 K.O.