AVDFC 0 Berkhamsted 3

Report by Dan Legg

The Dynamos ended their preparations for the start of the new season with a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Southern League Division One Central side Berkhamsted FC. Paul Bonham fielded what may well be his starting XI for the opening game of the 2019/20 season and started the brighter of the two sides.

With just a couple of minutes on the referee’s watch Alfie Gaspar whipped in a volleyed cross from the right-hand side picking out his namesake Alfi Touceda at the back post. Touceda was unable to quite get over the ball and his header was easily gathered by the Berkhamsted goalkeeper. Soon after, the Comrades led through Lewis Toomey, who was gifted an open goal to slot home into after James Weatherill miscued his headed clearance under pressure.

The visitors continued to pepper the Dynamos goal in the first half, with Weatherill atoning for his earlier error through a string of fine saves. There was only so much that the Aylesbury goalkeeper could do, as on 26 minutes Berkhamsted were two goals to the good. Jonathan Lacey made a clever run down the right wing before nutmegging Dan Ball and launching a ball across the face of goal. Joe Fitzgerald attempted to clear the viciously struck cross but could only convert into his own net.

Opportunities dried up during the second period, with few notable chances to report. Lewis Toomey almost doubled his tally on the night, taking the ball wide around Harry James. Joe Fitzgerald was able to read the danger and block his goal-bound shot at the front post. Alfi Touceda went close after Abu Khan laid him off on the edge of the Comrades’ box, but the young midfielder could only dispatch his first-time effort over the crossbar.

The visitors wrapped up the evening with a third goal which came courtesy of another Dynamo’s defensive mistake. Dan Wilson was guilty of not clearing his lines, Kingsley Eshun intercepted the ball from the centre-half before getting the better of Harry James, prior to calmly tapping the ball into an empty goal.

On a more positive note Bruno Brito returned to the side and got half an hour of football under his belt following a long injury lay-off.

Squad – James Weatherill, Harry James, Joe Fitzgerald, Dan Wilson, Lewis Strafford, Dan Ball, Dan McAteer, Roy Byron, Jacob Troughton-Smith, Alfi Touceda, Lewis Merridan, Alfie Gaspar, Abu Khan, Keith Mupfururirwa, Bruno Brito, Ryan Tappin, Alex Woodfine

Next Up – Leighton Town (A) – 3rd August 15:00 K.O.