Davis strikes at Dunstable as Weymouth record another league draw
DUNSTABLE TOWN 1
Esso 20
WEYMOUTH 1
Davis 43
A CHARLIE Davis free-kick found the net to ensure the Terras sealed a point at Dunstable Town and made it nine games unbeaten in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.
The central midfielder showed his class as a set-piece specialist for the Terras once more by bending an effort in the top corner – that came after late replacement Jetmir Esso put the home side ahead.
The result was indicative of the campaign as a whole for Jason Matthews’ men. In that nine-game unbeaten run, Weymouth have drawn no fewer than seven times.
The big team news from a Terras’ perspective was that midfielder Sean Stewart was given a starting spot, replacing the suspended Dean Evans.
Davis and Jake Wannell also came back into the side in place of Stuart Fleetwood, who was ruled out, and Tiago Sa, who dropped to the bench.
There were also call-ups for youngsters Dane James and Dom Panesar-Dower, who were named among the visitors’ substitutes.
Dunstable’s Bradley Hewitt, who scored when the two sides battled to a 3-3 draw at the Bob Lucas Stadium in February, was named in the Blues’ starting XI.
There was a late change to the Duns’ line-up however, with Esso replacing Josh Onyinsan up front after the latter picked up an injury in the warm-up.
That late shake-up was not to hinder the hosts however, as they struck the woodwork on 10 minutes after some pinball in the Weymouth area following a free-kick.
Matthews’ men were quick to respond though. Striker Ben Thomson, who scored twice in an FA Trophy tie between the sides at Creasey Park earlier this season, worked home keeper Jack Smith with a powerful effort on 12 minutes.
But it was the home side who managed to find the opening goal just eight minutes later and it was late replacement Esso who found the net. He tapped home for 1-0 after a short corner was not reacted to by the Terras.
Fuelled by scoring the opener, Esso almost capitalised again after Weymouth keeper Matthews found himself caught in a precarious position.
The away side then attempted to get back on level terms as defender Calvin Brooks played through Aaron Rodriguez, who saw his shot saved by the legs of Smith.
Weymouth skipper Stephane Zubar then headed wide before, at the other end, Matthews was tasked with making a superb save to deny Dunstable’s Adam Moussi doubling the Blues’ advantage.
Trailing by a goal, Weymouth were forced into making their first substitution after just 39 minutes.
Mark Cooper was unable to continue through injury – on came full-back Sa.
But the Terras then got themselves level thanks to midfielder Davis.
He struck a sublime free-kick that found the top corner to make it 1-1 just before the break.
Rodriguez once again went close on the hour mark as the away team started the second period with their tails up.
The winger then headed over after a cross from Wannell before Rodriguez was replaced by Panesar-Dower.
Five minutes from time, Matthews’ men then sent a free-kick over the bar from 25 yards out before teenager James replaced Billy Lowes in the latter stages for his first competitive minutes for the club’s first team.
The sides then played out the remaining minutes with the scores level, meaning the Terras have now drawn a staggering 18 league games this term.
Dunstable: Smith, Bean, Okito, Green (Diaz 58), Hewitt, Pepera, Olukanmi (Reynolds 65), Longe-King, Esso, Moussi, Vernet. Subs not used: Green, Risby
Terras: Matthews, Wells, Cooper (Sa 39), Zubar, Wannell, Brooks, Davis, Stewart, Rodriguez (Panesar-Dower 79), Thomson, Lowes (James 85). Sub not used: Molesley
Referee: Daniel Hanna
