Solid AFC earn Stotfold win

Stotford 0 AFC Dunstable 2

AFC Dunstable made a quick return to Molten Spartan SML Premier action as they won 2-0 at Stotfold on Tuesday evening.

The Creasey Park side had played on Sunday in the FA Cup, beating London Lions to earn a trip to Southern League side Northwood.

Enforced changes meant that Luke Little moved into the right back slot, while Lee Burgoyne swapped to left back, and Keran Birch came in at right midfield.

AFC were workmanlike and professional all evening as keeper Sam Leggitt didn’t have a save of note to make.

The visitors were the main enforcers, but had to wait until the 30th minute when a neat run in the box by BJ Christie ended when he was brought down by a rash challenge.

The spot kick was confidently dispatched by Garth Harnaman as AFC broke the deadlock.

Some shots from distance by Lee Burgoyne and Graham Clark followed, before Richard Harker came close with an effort that went narrowly wide.

After the break, AFC stepped up their tempo as some excellent build-up play by Clark and Birch lead to a Christie strike being well saved.

The nerves were finally settled though when a blistering shot from Harker nestled in the far bottom corner on 62 minutes.

The hosts rare attacking threat by Stotfold was well dealt with by the excellent defensive partnership of Dan Ryan and skipper Jim Baldry as AFC confidently saw the game out.

Manager Alex Butler said: “That was a solid team performance and a good three at a place where wins are always difficult to come by.

“I’m hoping we can now follow the excellent recent performances with a win this Saturday over Tring.”