Team: Dan McAteer; Dan Wilson, Paolo Bagatti, Terry Griffiths; Charlie Ogle, Luke Nugent, Joe Oxley, Callum Shortt, Ollie Lemon, Alfi Touceda; Tom McElroy
Subs: Dan Boateng, Chris Shennan, Davide Pobbe, Will Salmon, Dan Ball

The new season was finally upon us as The Dynamos started with an away tie at Holmer Green. Phil Granville was still missing a few regulars, but fielded a team with a mix of youth and old heads.

Within a few minute Aylesbury had the first meaningful attack and Luke Nugent sent Ollie Lemon racing down the right wing, his cross just eluded Tom McElroy and Holmer Green cleared their lines. Next up Joe Oxley, operating in the midfield, controlled and found Charlie Ogle running through, his shot was blocked for a corner. Ollie Lemon swung it in, but Joe Oxley could not direct his header goalwards.

10 minutes and Holmer Green got a lucky break, a shot hit Alfi Touceda on his arm and the referee decided this was a penalty…not sure about the decision…! Their striker stepped up and hit it into the left of the goal but Dan McAteer managed to get a hand to it, the ball hit the post and was cleared!!! Great save and the game remained goalless. Joe Oxley then raced into a rash challenge, but no card…moments later he jumps for a header and is adjudged to have used excess force and is shown a yellow card.

17 minutes and 2 more yellow cards, this time Holmer Green No.9 and Tom McElroy get tangled up and handbags were raised. A few minutes later and Holmer Green were attacking again, this time they went through on goal but again Dan McAteer stood strong and made a great save. Less than half an hour gone and Holmer Green were on top. A corner was saved by Dan McAteer and Paolo Bagatti made the final clearance. Another attack came and a shot from Holmer Green, hit the bar and Dan McAteer grabbed the ball, but the linesman flagged to say over the line. Holmer Green were 1-0 up.

Callum Shortt was put through by Alfi Touceda but the keeper came out and just beat him to the ball to clear for a throw. On the half hour mark Dan McAteer played a trademark ball onto the foot of Joe Oxley who sends Tom McElroy through but the keeper makes another save as The Dynamos pushed for an equaliser. Next up Paolo Bagatti played the ball to Callum Shortt and his run and cross was met by Joe Oxley as he steamed into the box but the header was wide.

36 minutes and Holmer Green had their second. The Dynamos defence was pulled out of shape and a cross from their winger found the attacker in acres of space and easily slotted past Dan McAteer. 2-0 Holmer Green. 44 minutes and a potential game changer..! Holmer Green keeper rushed out to meet Charlie Ogle who was through on goal and jumped to fist clear, wiping our Charlie and also clearly handling the ball a few feet outside the box. Referee had no hesitation and gave a straight red card. Holmer were down to 10 men and one of their outfield players went in goal. Charlie Ogle hit the resulting free kick inches over the bar.

Half time Holmer Green 2-0 AVDFC

Almost immediately after the break, Callum Shortt ran through and had the keeper to beat, or pass to Charlie Ogle…unfortunately he did neither and the keeper gathered comfortably. Holmer Green were keeping the ball well and having more possession despite 10 men and only a cross Ollie Lemon which Paolo Bagatti headed over was a notable chance for a 15 minute spell. Next goal would be crucial and a cruel deflection on Holmer Green cross saw the ball fall to their striker who happily smashed it past Dan McAteer to make it 3-0 Holmer Green.
Some people thought it was over…but the Dynamos team kept plugging away.

63 minutes and Phil Granville rolled to dice with 3 substitutions. Chris Shennan, Davide Pobbe and Dan Boateng all on with Ollie Lemon, Joe Oxley and Tom McElroy giving way. On 68 minutes two of the subs combined to create a good chance. Chris Shennan collected Luke Nugents ball down the left flank and beat his man, crossing to Dan Boateng. He controlled and drilled a low shot just past the far post. Dan McAteer then hit a decent free kick straight into the mix and Chris Shennan got a header on target but the keeper saved.

73 minutes and finally Dynamos were on the scoresheet. Charlie Ogle swung in a corner and captain, Alfi Touceda, was first to react and flicked it past the keeper to make it 3-1 Holmer Green. 82 minutes and Aylesbury were looking a different team as they came forward. Another corner from Charlie Ogle was then headed against the post from Terry Griffiths. So close….! Dan Boateng then had another chance which went wide of the goal as Dynamos looked to salvage something from the game.

87 minutes and a ball from Terry Griffiths was headed on by Callum Shortt and Charlie Ogle was through on goal, he took a touch and beat the keeper with ease to make it 3-2 Holmer Green. Game on and The Dynamos were well on top as Holmer Green tired. Terry Griffiths then took it upon himself to go on a great run and was tackled in the box to screams of “penalty”, but nothing given as we were into injury time.

Then the unthinkable…a Charlie Ogle corner was met by Paolo Bagatti who guided it past the keeper and into the net. Dynamos had scored a 3rd and made it 3-3 in the dying seconds.

Final Score: Holmer Green 3-3 AVDFC