It was a case of so near but yet so far for The Clams on Saturday, as a last-minute volley gave the home AC United the points. Going into the half-time break 1-0 up, thanks to an 20th minute own goal, Elston failed to capitalise on their advantage in the second half.

Elston started brightly and had already had a goal chalked off for a marginal offside decision when Elliott Burrell shot from 20 yards. His low drive was well saved by the keeper, but the ball broke to James Scott who crossed to Teddy Furman. Before the ball could reach Furman an AC United defender’s outstretched leg turned the ball into his own goal.

The rest of the half was tight with chances at both ends, but The Clams were well worth their half-time lead. Within 5 minutes of the start of the second period, however, that lead disappeared when the Elston defence failed to react to a free-kick cross into the box and an AC United attacker scored from 5 yards. The goal gave AC Untied more energy and although Elston were able to keep the home team at arms length, they struggled to make chances of their own, a cross from Will Veys to Furman creating the best opportunity.

In the final 10 minutes, AC United made a series of attacking substitutions as they pressed for a winner. Following a great save from Harry Johnson, and blocks from James Scott and Jordan Forth, Elston may have thought that they’d done enough to earn a point but, with seconds remaining, a cross from the left bounced free at the back post wher the AC United attacker volleyed into the far corner to the delight of the home team and the despair of the travelling Elston United team and supporters.

Elston United: Harry Johnson, Barney Repper, Toby Craven (Jordan Forth 60), Xander Millar, Thomas Hazelwood, Archie Dillon, Toby Cullen, Elliott Burrell, James Scott, Teddy Furman (Rui Thacker 70), Will Veys (Adam Fear, 80). Sub not used: Sam Lloyd.