AFC lose top of the table clash with London Colney

AFC Dunstable were beaten in their top-of-the-table clash against league leaders London Colney on Saturday.

A well-taken goal by Jack Woods was the difference between the two sides, but AFC will rue the close calls they had late in the game as they searched for the equaliser.

AFC made one change from the FA Vase win over Basildon, as Taishan Griffith came in for Brandon Carney, while in front of their biggest league crowd of the season, 124, the OD’s could just not send home their supporters knowing they would be top at Christmas.

Colney settled quicker into the game, although AFC went closest as Ricky Perks’ goal kick fell to BJ Christie, but he lost his footing and the chance was gone.

With chances were going to be at a premium, the visitors worked a lovely move which released Woods, who was denied by Perks on 36 minutes.

With half time approaching, the only goal of the game came, when Woods pulled the ball out of the air and slotted home in one movement.

In the second period, AFC brought on Brandon Carney came on for Griffith as they started to exert plenty of pressure.

The hosts thought they had a penalty after 57 minutes when Colney’s keeper Charlie May felled Jermaine Hall, but the official awarded May a free kick.

AFC boss Steve Heath threw on Moses Olaleye and Josh Humbert trying to level and Leon Cashman directed his header wide with 15 minutes to go.

Good work by Hall saw him cross for Brandon Carney, who slid wide, as the visitors held on for victory, to lead the table by five points, although AFC do have a game in hand.

A frustrated AFC manager Steve Heath said: “You have to give London Colney their due, to lose only one league game in a calendar year is a fantastic achievement and they showed they have some skillful players and great resilience when needed.

“I still think we probably deserved something from the game for the late pressure we applied but it was not to be.

AFC travel to Hadley in the League Challenge Trophy on Wednesday evening and then visit Bedford in the league next Monday.

AFC: Perks, Massay, N Carney, Griffiths, Beck, Griffith, Frater, Gorman, Christie, Cashman, Hall.

Subs used: B Carney, Olalye, Humbert. Subs not used: Jones, Malone.

Attendance: 124.