Christie nets 175th goal as AFC go top

AFC Dunstable striker BJ Christie netted his 175th goal for the club as his side moved back to the top of the table with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sun Sports on Saturday.

With London Colney held to a draw by Tring Athletic, while fellow title contenders Berkhamsted and Hertford Town were both beaten, AFC are one point ahead of London Colney and seven in front of Berkhamsted and Hoddesdon, who both have two games in hand.

Home boss Steve Heath made two changes from Wednesday night’s 4-2 win over Leverstock Green as a fit-again Jason Beck came in for Danny Ryan, while Brandon Carney replaced Nathan Frater.

With the wind at their backs, AFC were on the front foot from the start as Christie screwed wide on six minutes, while Newman Carney then flashed a free kick just wide, with Brandon Carney seeing his shot saved by Ross Channer.

The visiting keeper saved well from a rasping Leon Cashman strike and denied Charlie Gorman too, before Christie nodded his side in front, flicking Cashman’s shot past Channer with seven minutes to go until the break.

Sports saw claims for a penalty turned down as in the second period, Ashley Lewis’ free kick skimmed the bar with Ricky Perks beaten.

Playing against the wind, the home side were starting to rack up the pressure as sub Danny Jones slipped in Christie but he couldn’t get enough power in his shot, while Jones, Beck and Christie all missed chances.

Lewis Crowys then came on for Hall and was denied by Channer, before the pressure finally paid off as Beck’s cross was headed home by Christie at the far post.

Cashman headed straight at Channer, while the third arrived on 85 minutes when Crowys, who has been promoted from the reserves, stabbed home a Newman Carney corner.

Boss Heath said: “While I was pleased the way the day panned out, we have only played 17 games and there are still 25 to go.

“I was happy with our second half performance, as we showed some great commitment in very windy and difficult conditions.

“For BJ to pass the milestone of 175 goals is a fantastic achievement. He is a player that came through AFC’s early youth system when it was first started back in 2004.”

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

Subs used: Jones, Crowys. Subs not used: Biggadike, Olaleye, Silvestri.

Attendance: 64.