AFC Dunstable 0-1 Biggleswade FC

AFC Dunstable 0-1 Biggleswade FC

Bedfordshire Senior Cup Final

Tuesday 9th April 2024

AFC Dunstable’s young squad were denied at the final hurdle in a tense and competitive County Cup Final at Kenilworth Road. 

A single goal separated the sides early in the first half but it could have been different if at least one of two penalty claims for AFC had been given. One seemed odds on to be given but it was frustratingly turned down.

In front of a bumper crowd of 902, Biggleswade started brightly in the opening minutes with George Bailey shooting just wide within sixty seconds of the kick off. Then AFC’s Ben Weyman brought out a fine save from Tyler Josephs as he palmed away the midfielders’ free kick for a corner with 6 minutes played.

AFC had more of the ball following Weyman’s effort as they settled into the game. With 8 minutes gone Ethan Holt had a shot blocked by Adam Wedd before Rio Martucci’s shot was deflected wide for a corner for Biggleswade.

The only goal of the game came with 13 minutes gone when Harry Dawson picked up a pass twenty yards out and hit a fine dipping strike that beat Josh Ameganvi in the AFC goal.

FC were full of confidence at this point with further efforts from Dawson and Martucci. Callum Nicolson was denied by two headers from Biggleswade captain Tom Coles in the 17th minute as AFC tried to get back in the game.

Five minutes later FC had a golden chance to double the lead when Bailey was set up after a good move but he somehow missed the target with the goal at his mercy.

The lively Dan Idiakhoa was creating AFC’s best chances linking up well with Arnold Matshazi. With half an hour gone Max Rosner went on a surging run from deep he slotted in Holt but under pressure from Josephs he was unable to make full contact and Michael Fisher was able to clear. Some were asking for a penalty for the challenge but nothing was given. Holt was injured in the coming together.

On 34 minutes Ameganvi produced a fine save to deny Dan Bond as he tipped his effort round the post. Holt then had to be replaced due to a knee injury in the earlier collision, Rocko Tamplin taking his place.

The game was becoming really competitive as the game approached half time. Wedd and Dawson both picked up yellow cards for Biggleswade for robust challenges.

Just before the break a highly controversial incident came after Rosner went on another determined run through the middle of the pitch and played in Rio Deall who was seemingly brought down by Josephs as he knocked the ball past him. It looked clearcut but to AFC’s frustration the referee waved play on. A big decision that could have changed the game in favour of the OD’s. Matshazi shot just over after a counter attack as the half came to a close.

AFC made two changes at the break. Seb Stacey replaced Ameganvi to give both keepers a runout in the final after both have given great service throughout the season. Kyle Brooks replaced Deall.

Nicolson shot wide a few minutes into the second half before Tamplin had the best chance for AFC in the 53rd minute, agonisingly shoot just wide of the far post when set clear in the box by Brooks. Shortly afterwards Biggleswade nearly capitalised when the OD’s gave the ball away, which almost resulted in a goal.

Rico Greco then brought out a save from Josephs after a strong run down the left ended in a strike which was unfortunately straight at the FC keeper who palmed it away.

In the 65th minute Brooks headed wide from a corner as AFC were finding it hard to breakdown a well organised Biggleswade unit. 

Frustrations were beginning to show as decisions seemed to be going against AFC. With ten minutes left Kymani Skyers blocked an AFC effort before they forced a succession of corners but FC stood firm again. Biggleswade’s Alex Marsh and Fisher were cautioned as the game became on a knife edge.

Stacey then saved from Bailey before fine defending again by Skyers blocked another shot. Idiakhoa was the next to be booked as he let his frustrations out on his opponent as they broke away.

The game came to an end with disappointment for the OD’s but no one could fault their efforts against a resolute Biggleswade side who were determined to make up for last seasons loss in the final against Luton Town.

Team: Ameganvi (Stacey 46′); Sade (Stirland 79′); Greco (Bugyei-Kyei 69′); Weyman; Tagoe; Rosner; Deall (Brooks 46′); Nicolson; Holt (Tamplin 37′); Matshazi; Idiakhoa.