Carney's late winner sees AFC triumph

AFC Dunstable left it late to beat Bedford in their SSML Premier Division clash on Tuesday night, as Brandon Carney’s 85th minute winner secured a 3-2 triumph.

It was looking like AFC would rue the dominance they enjoyed in the first half, as two BJ Christie goals saw them go into the break 2-0 up.

However, they then squandered a host of chances, while visiting keeper Ross Tompkins made two wonderful saves from Newman Carney and Christie, before Bedford levelled at 2-2.

Carney popped up to win it though, as AFC stay third and now trail Hoddesdon Town, who went top with a 3-0 win at Cockfosters, by two points.

Boss Steve Heath made one change from the win over Tring seven days earlier, as Christie was recalled

In the Bedford ranks were ex AFC player’s Marcus Campbell and Tom Silford, with the side battling relegation, although proving in the second periodn they have a decent chance of avoiding the drop.

AFC found it hard to break down the visitors defence, although they did take the lead on 38 minutes when Christie took the ball on the edge of the box and fired home.

It should have been 2-0 a minute later as from Newman Carney’ free kick, Tompkins did well to tip the ball over his bar, while he also denied Christie too.

With half time looming, Christie secured his 35th goal of the season, when he got on the end of a goalmouth scramble.

If AFC thought their work was done, they were in for a shock in the second period as Bedford upped their performance levels.

The visitors started to ease into the game and were seeing more of the ball as they pulled a goal back when Perks misjudged a long range strike from James Hilsdon.

Bedford now had their tails up and a strike from Silford smacked against AFC’s crossbar with 70 minutes on the clock.

They were deservedly drew level two minutes later though as Silford fired into the bottom corner.

AFC were starting down the barrell at defeat, before a bad foul by Chinua Cole on Moses Olaleye saw the Bedford man receive a straight red card.

With time running out, the home side snatched all three points when Newman Carney’s corner was headed home by brother Brandon.

AFC are without a game this weekend and visit St Margaretsbury on Tuesday, while Bedford travel to Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.