Creasey Park set for the Dunstable derby

AFC manager Alex Butler said: “This fixture attracted a crowd of over 600 last year and it is the game both teams and sets of supporters get excited about and look forward to.

“Our ‘noisy neighbours’ Dunstable Town are flying this year, sitting nicely at the top of our league so realistically will be strong favourites.

“The camaraderie and respect amongst both sets of players is unique in the area, as most of the players have played for both sides, so bragging rights will be fiercely fought over. From my point of view AFC have had a mixed season to date. We have lost eight players, many to Dunstable, from last year’s successful squad, but we were the last South Midlands team to exit the FA Cup and we still sit fifth in the league, although challenging Dunstable for the title will now require a Herculean effort.

“We have some rebuilding to do but personally I believe AFC have set solid foundations to have assembled the best group of management, coaches and players anyone could wish for, and I have no doubt we will continue to go from strength to strength.

“Going back to Saturday’s game, it will certainly be a tall order to overcome Dunstable, but whatever happens I would wish the Dunstable players every success in their push for promotion. They are a great set of players, both in terms of ability and character and fully deserve to be where they are in the league.”

On Saturday, Town’s home game against Biggleswade United and AFC’s trip to Tring Athletic were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Last Tuesday night had seen Dunstable Town lose out 3-1 at home to Aylesbury United in the second round of the Dudley Latham Memorial Cup (Premier Division Cup).

Top scorer Lee Roache had given the home side a 16th-minute lead before the visitors staged a late fightback to win.

Danny Jones levelled with five minutes to go and, after Stacey Field had put the visitors ahead with two minutes left, he added a penalty in the last minute.

Crawley Green’s home game with Cranfield United was postponed, and they go to Hoddesdon Town on Saturday.

This Saturday in Division Two Kent Athletic go to Mursley United, The 61 FC (Luton) host Old Bradwell United, Totternhoe entertain Hale Leys United and Caddington visit Wolverton Town.

Today Barton Rovers are set to host Leighton Town in an Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central Bedfordshire derby at Sharpenhoe Road.

The weekend’s game at Chertsey Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, on Saturday Rovers host Woodford United and on Tuesday they go to Royston Town.

The wet weather completely destroyed the fixture list with games in all the other divisions washed out.

Results

Bedfordshire Youth
Saturday League

U15 Division Two: Clophill 1 Wing Raiders Junior 0.

U14 Division One: Harrold and Carlton 3 Cranfield Colts 0.

U14 Division Two: Woodside 1 Wing Raiders 0.

U13 Division One: Harrold and Carlton Panthers 7 Woodside 4.