Hotshot Christie hits hat-trick as AFC Dunstable come from behind to thrash Biggleswade United

A second half BJ Christie hat-trick saw AFC Dunstable fight back from a goal down as they romped to a 5-1 win at Biggleswade United in the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division on Saturday.

Tre Grant put the host ahead on 16 minutes, but the game changed when the home side’s Luke Jones was sent off for deliberate handball early in the second half as AFC put in a powerful display.

Craig Butler fired home the 49th-minute penalty to level, Christie put them ahead on 58 minutes and scored his second 10 minutes later.

Dale Turney made sure of victory with a fourth two minutes from time and Christie completed his hat-trick in the last minute as the late goals made for a flattering scoreline from a hit-and-miss performance.

AFC started brightly with Christie putting the ball wide after going clean through on 10 minutes, but Biggleswade battled back and took the lead when Grant waltzed through their defence to score.

Richard Harker should have levelled with a clear header five minutes before the break, but AFC took control when Dan Ryan’s shot was stopped from crossing the line by a Luke Jones’ hand and, after he was dismissed Butler equalised from the spot.

AFC took full advantage of the extra man as Wayne Mills put Christie away on 52 minutes who finished well from outside the box.

Christie got his second on 68 minutes when he coolly evaded the keeper and walked the ball into the net.

Biggleswade refused to give up and, although they created a couple of chances, Turney put in Barnett to finish from close range with two minutes to go.

And at the death Courtney Massey provided his customary assist as Christie timed his run to perfection to finish from close range and complete a fine hat-trick.

Boss Alex Butler added: “On this performance we cannot kid ourselves into thinking we are yet good enough for a top three finish, and if we are to be successful against teams such as Berkhamstead then we need to stop giving the ball away so cheaply, and have more of our players firing.

“That said, it should be a great game against a side who are my tip for the title.”

AFC host Berkhamsted tomorrow (Wednesday), visit Colney Heath on Saturday and entertain Ampthill Town on Wednesday week.