AVDFC 1-1 Harefield Utd

Team: James Weatherill; Alex Mitchell, Will Mullarkey, Jack Hodgins, Kyle Lincoln; Dave Brown, Matty Chew, Jake Baldwin, Joe Chott; Brian Haule, Ollie Lawford

Subs: Davide Pobbe, Ivan Otono, Luke Nugent, Roy Byron, Gabby Adewolo

After the unlucky loss against Leighton, Steve Bateman was forced into a few changes as Chris Stapleton, Terry Griffits and Callum Shortt were all unavailable for the visit of Harefield. Also, Alfi Touceda was still injured, so in came Joe Chott, Jack Hodgins and Ollie Lawford into the starting line up. Also a big welcome to new signing Ivan Otono, who was on the bench.

The first real chance of the half was for Dynamos. Joe Chott was fouled after 5 minutes and Jake Baldwin swung the free kick onto the head of Brian Haule who forces the keeper into an early save. A few minutes later and Jake Balwdin was fouled, he took this free kick and curled it too close to the keeper, although he misjudged and had to tip it over. Quarter of an hour and Matty Chew won the ball in the middle and gets his pass away to Jake Baldwin, he cuts in from the left and unleashes a 30 yarder, into the hands of the keeper. A minute later and Ollie Lawford collected a ball from Kyle Lincoln and hit a low cross into Jake Baldwin who beat his marker and his shot ricocheted off the cross bar and away from danger.

The early exchanges were almost all Dynamos and Joe Chott was getting some joy on the right wing. He used his pace to beat his man and fizzed a ball into Brian Haule’s feet and he touched it to Jake Baldwin who raced clean through and beat the keeper…only to see the offside flag. 24 minutes in and some more great work from Joe Chott, this time crossing to Ollie Lawford who hit a great shot, beating the keeper, but inches over the bar. A couple of minutes later and the first goal…to Harefield. Totally against the run of play, they cross in from their right and their striker calmly sidefooted past James Weatherill. 0-1 Harefield.

Harefield now came into the game more and only some staunch defending from Jack Hodgins and then Will Mullarkey kept the score at 0-1.
Harefield then thought they were going to score as a ball through beat the offside and their striker was clean through but James Weatherill came out and saved well with his legs. Just before half time another half chance for Harefield. Another attack down their left and Alex Mitchell made a superb tackle…so we thought…but a foul was given. The free kick was headed clear by Kyle Lincoln.

Half time: AVDFC 0-1 Harefield

The second half started slowly with both teams failing to create anything for a few long minutes. Dynamos then sprang into life as Dave Brown was fouled 25 yards out and Jake Baldwin hit a trademark free kick into the box. Jack Hodgins reacted quickest and headed the ball home. 1-1. Again the match seemed to fall into a midfield scrap with Dave Brown and Matty Chew making some important interceptions and it wasn’t until the 69th minute that Harefield got through, but Jack Hodgins made a last ditch tackle to thwart that attack. 70 minutes and the best chance to take the lead. Dynamos were on the offence and a great cross from Jake Baldwin found Ollie Lawford with space, he took a touch and rifled the ball towards goal, but his shot was blocked and spun out to Joe Chott who was in on goal but hit the post from close range and Harefield finally cleared.

Four minutes later and Harefield thought they would score…! A ball over the top was going towards James Weatherill who came out to clear, but Alex Mitchell headed over him and going towards an empty net. Jack Hodgins made it back to clear but straight to another Harefield player, Matty Chew then made a superb tackle winning the ball, clearing the ball…and getting cramp! Great defending. 80 minutes saw the introduction of Ivan Otono for his debut coming on for Brian Haule.

With 5 minutes remaining the last real chance fell to Dynamos. Matty Chew, who had impressed all game, took control of the ball and fizzed a ball out to Ollie Lawford and his cross found Joe Chott but his shot went wide of the mark. Davide Pobbe made a welcome return to 1st team action with a couple of minutes remaining for Joe Chott, but the game was over and the final score was 1-1.