Post-Butler era at AFC Dunstable begins with Biggleswade United defeat

A late goal condemned AFC Dunstable to a 2-1 Molten Spartan SML Premier Division home defeat against Biggleswade United on Saturday.

BJ Christie cancelled out James Peters’ eighth-minute opener on 62 minutes, only for Reynaldo Carbon to net the winner with three minutes to go.

Former first team coach turned caretaker manager Kevin Taylor said: “Saturday was the first game in eight years at AFC Dunstable without Alex (Butler) who was extremely popular with the players at the helm and so the mood was as you would expect.

“Defensively AFC looked strong but it was going forward where we struggled against a very well organised and drilled Biggleswade side.

“On the day a draw would have been a fair result, where Biggleswade edged the first half and AFC the second, but it wasn’t to be as Biggleswade scored a very late and controversial winner.

“AFC are now in transition, but a transition that needs to happen quickly as we believe there is still a lot to play for.

“There remains great team spirit at AFC, we are just a little low on confidence at the moment which we are working on. We have some very talented players at the club and now we will work on getting the best out of them.”

Departing boss Butler was keen to clear up a couple of misconceptions about his departure, saying: “Contrary to some reports neither I or Dermot (Butler) were involved in Saturday’s defeat, so did not leave with a loss but undefeated in our last five league games.

“Also Dermot’s and my reasons for resigning were not as reported by the club, which is a shame because we feel if they were recognised and addressed then this can only help the club going forward.

“Again though I genuinely wish AFC and the players every success. From starting on a park pitch in Totternhoe we now compete at a very good standard and we also play at the best facility in the county, so are in very good shape for the future.”

Tonight AFC host Luton Town Bedfordshire Senior Cup and this Saturday go to Holmer Green in the league.

Taylor added: “Next up is Luton Town on Wednesday at Creasey Park and there is no better game to have next where we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I certainly won’t have to pick the players up for that one!”