Bedford Town 0-3 AFC Dunstable
Bedford Town 0-3 AFC Dunstable
Southern League Division One Central
Tuesday 19th March 2024
AFC Dunstable bounced back from Saturdays disappointing loss to Kings Langley in style but beating league leaders Bedford Town at The Eyrie om Tuesday night.
The game had previously failed to finish or start on two occasions and with AFC leading 1-0 in the abandoned game many could have thought their chances had gone for a win but a superb performance of resilience, discipline and game management saw them collect all three points.
Ethan Holt was still missing through injury so Daniel Idiakhoa played up top along side Arnold Matshazi. Pat Staszewski came in for Charlie Stirland.
Bedford controlled the game for the opening 15 minutes, having most of the ball and forcing some corners and free kicks around the AFC box.
The visitors then grew in to the game keeping possession well and having some corners and free kicks of their own. The Eagles striker Leon Lobjoit skimmed the top of Seb Stacey’s bar in the 25th minute followed by an effort from Matshazi at the other end, which Mark Smith did well to save.
The game became more open in the 38th minute when the hosts had Jack Green sent off for a late tackle on Callum Nicolson as he broke away when a corner was cleared. Thankfully Nicolson was able to continue.
Five minutes later AFC took the lead when Matshazi’s shot was parried by Smith but it could only find Ben Weyman who smashed the ball home high in to the net. Right on half time Matshazi had another effort on goal but this time it was off target and in to the side netting.
Rocko Tamplin replaced Yoav Sade at the break and it didn’t take him long to make an impact. Three minutes in to the half two shots were cleared off the line in the same attack but Tamplin followed up to rifle the ball past Smith.
Game management came in to play as AFC kept the ball really well to tire the hosts who were clearly struggling to get back in to the game a man light.
The game was made safe in the 65th minute when Weyman cross for Matshazi who delightfully turned in the box and shot low past Smith to make it three.
With 77 minutes on the clock Tra Lucas brought out a fine safe by Smith who stuck out a leg to divert the goal bound effort for a corner.
Bedford had two wild efforts going over the bar before Stacey did well to palm away a shot from the edge of the box with three minutes left.
AFC road the early storm. kept their discipline and thoroughly deserved their win.
Team: Stacey; Sade (Tamplin 46′); Greco; Weyman; Staszewski; Rosner; Deall; Nicolson (Lucas70′); Idiakhoa; Matshazi; Deall; Bugyei-Kyei (Brooks 62′).
Subs not used: Ameganvi and Stirland.
