Christie nets as AFC march past Hares

SML Premier Division AFC Dunstable 1 Harefield United 0

A BATTLING performance saw AFC Dunstable defeat strugging Harefield United on Wednesday night.

The hosts had to make wholesale changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw as 16-year-old Aaron Bodger made his debut in goal, Richard Harker started at left back, while Kyle Lincoln moved to the centre of defence with skipper James Baldry unavailable.

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Once again there was no Danny Ryan, so Graeme Buchanan continued at centre half, but he only lasted 25 minutes, due to a clash of heads which saw him replaced by reserve team player Luke Little.

Into the starting line came Jonathan Barnett, while Luke Lincoln and Keeran Birch were promoted to the bench.

Bodger was soon called into action, as he made a smart save from Kenrick Harriott on 18 minutes. With the pace of BJ Christie and Tony Burnett upfront, AFC just did not get the breaks as they searched for the opening goal.

After the break, injuries started to creep in and when Kyle Lincoln had leave the pitch, right back Wayne Mills joined Barnett in the heart of the defence.

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The only goal of the game came on 70 minutes when good work by Terry Billy saw him cross for Christie who fired low into the net.

Harefield continued to look for an equaliser and thought they had one but Keno Maphela strayed into an offside position as AFC held on for the win.

Manager Alex Butler said: “What a sterling performance from the whole team. We were missing five regulars but those who came in did the club proud.

“With Dunstable losing, we must just keep plugging away and hope the top two drop more points.

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“Injuries and unavailability are starting to hit us hard, but it’s the big one Saturday, as we travel to leaders Royston Town and you never know, if we put in battling performances, it might not be over yet.