AFC back up to second by beating Tring

AFC Dunstable reclaimed second spot in the SSML Premier Division by beating Tring Athletic 2-0 at Creasey Park on Tuesday night.

The hosts were in no doubt of the test provided by their opponents as Athletic have taken points off all the title challengers this season, having beaten Berkhamsted and Hoddesdon, plus drawing with London Colney.

From the win at Wembley, Leon Cashman replaced the suspended Jason Beck and Jermaine Hall came in for BJ Christie, while the visitors included ex AFC players Chris Mason and Lee Stobbs.

The sparse crowd were treated to a fabulous opening goal for the hosts on 12 minutes when Newman Carney curled a superb free kick into the top corner of Matt Evans’ net.

AFC then had a good shout for a penalty on 21 minutes when Hall was upended, but the referee deemed the infringement was just outside the box.

With half-time approaching, AFC doubled their lead from another set piece on 36 minutes as Carney’s cross saw an unmarked Terry Griffiths head home.

In the second period, AFC should have extended their lead on the hour as good work by Nathan Frater saw him beat four Tring defenders, but instead of firing home himself, he set up Brandon Carney whose effort was well saved by Evans.

Tring though upped the ante in the final exchanges and pushed for a consolation, but AFC were in no mood to give away their clean sheet as boss Steve Heath said: “Tonight was always going to be a tough game, as on their day Tring can cause upsets.

“They are well organised but I was pleased that we gave them no hint of setting up an upset.

“We are now in the second part of the season and coming into the business end, so we just need to look after ourselves and keep working hard in training and take it onto the pitch.”

AFC now trail leaders London Colney by four points with a game in hand and are back in action on Tuesday night, at home to Bedford.

AFC: Perks, Massay, N Carney, Griffiths, Cashman, B Carney, Gorman, Olaleye, Hall, Humbert, Frater.

Subs used: Christie, Jones, Darby.

Attendance: 45.