AFC traveled to Mildenhall for the second meeting over the bank holiday period. With only one change to the team with Joe Grimwood replacing Kane Munday Sudbury looked to continue where they left off on Saturday.
With the match kicking off and with John Sands this time starting from the beginning of the match, Mildehall took the lead within 40 seconds, a quick play saw Sands collect the ball and shoot low into the corner past Walker and take the lead. This left AFC stunned and rocking, another couple of chances fell to the home team. AFC then calmed down, they started to play their fast passing football and Joe Whight was unlucky not to score, but a fine one handed save by the Mildenhall keeper kept the ball out. This game was end to end, chances fell for both teams and needed some very sharp goal keeping at both ends. It was on 38 minutes when Callum Harrison collected the ball, rounded a defender and cooly slides the ball into the bottom corner to bring Sudbury level. The match continued at fast pace with AFC pinging the ball all over the pitch to create chances with Mildenhall then also looking lethal on the break. To the disappointment of the 267 in attendance the referee blew for half time. What a half of football, on another day it could have been four all !!
Second half was underway and AFC started sharply, Baris Altintop threaded the ball through to Phil Kelly but fires his shot just past the post. Another flowing move saw Ben Hunter get an effort on target, but saved again by the home keeper. Then on 57 minutes AFC deservedly take the lead when Phil Kelly feeds the ball into Ben Hunter who crosses into the box and James Seymour's clearance ends up in the net for an own goal.
But before AFC could take full control of the match it was the home teams turn to strike again, Thomas Debenham as able to rise above everyone in the box and head home from close range. 2-2. This saw the introduction of Paul Hayes who replaced Joe Grimwood, and then Kane Munday replaced Phil Kelly as AFC pushed for a winning goal which looked to have been secured in the 87th minute when Paul Hayes strongly held the ball and set up Callum Harrison who hammered the ball home low into the bottom corner. With the time on 90 minutes AFC were up against balls being pelted into the box and it was John Sands who somehow managed to scramble the ball into the AFC Sudbury net in the dying seconds of Injury time, closely followed by the final whistle. 3-3
Whilst AFC will again feel heartbreak over dropping points in injury time for the second week running, they must take strength from the performance they have put in. Fast, passing football which was a pleasure to watch and made for one of the most entertaining matches seen in a while.
Next up for AFC Sudbury is a home tie on Saturday with Bowers & Pitsea. 3pm