History made by treble-winning AFC Dunstable Reserves

Having already won the SSML Reserve Division North & West title and the Beds FA - Intermediate Cup, they then defeated SSML South and East champions St Margaretsbury 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Welwyn Garden City on Friday night.

What made the result even more impressive is that AFC had nine U19s, three of them U16s too.

They also lost their influential skipper and leader Barry O’Brien on the hour mark and had to battle with 10 men for the last 20 minutes, when Olly Buckley picked up a second yellow card.

After beating Sun Sports in the semi-final on Tuesday, AFC moved in front on 32 minutes thanks to Marcus Campbell’s strike.

Down to 10 men, with Buckley’s dismissal, AFC still pushed forward as Glenn Thompson came close to a second, before he curled in from 20 yards in the final stages. Brayden Judge came so close a third, firing against the post, before Saints pulled a consolation back in injury time.

AFC boss Paul Axten said: “What a rollercoaster ride this season has been.

“I cannot believe this very young side have competed with much more experienced and stronger teams in the last two games.

“They have great character, are a credit to themselves and should be very proud of their achievements.”