FA VASE: History for AFC as they reach fourth round

Two goals in each half was enough for AFC Dunstable to brush aside Essex Senior League leaders Basildon United and take their place in the record books at the weekend.

Since their first foray into the FA Vase back in 2010-11, the OD’s made the third round last season, the furthest they had gone, but have now done even better this term, making the last 32.

After the deserved win over Dunstable Town in the County Cup on Tuesday, AFC took that form into this contest, with Ricky Perks back in goal and Nathan Frater in for Taishan Griffith.

The home side were straight on the front foot, as after only three minutes Jermaine Hall rattled the Basildon upright, while soon afterwards, Brandon Carney and Hall set up Leon Cashman, who fired wide.

The breakthrough came on 20 minutes when once again Brandon Carney was involved as he burst down the left flank before picking out BJ Christie who flicked home.

It was 2-0 on the half hour mark minutes as Newman Carney’s free kick saw his brother Brandon get the faintest touch to beat the keeper.

While the Bees had the wind at their backs, they nearly pulled a goal back before half time as a fine strike from by Berto Pinto saw Perks tip his shot over the bar.

The second half was only two minutes old, when the tie was near enough put to bed for AFC.

Awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Cashman’s quick thinking slipped in Christie, who somehow found the back of the net from a very tight angle.

If any team was going to score again, it was AFC and after Cashman’s fierce effort, the hosts had another on 70 minutes as the Basildon defence dallied allowing Christie to feed Frater, who slotted home for his first goal for the club.

Manager Steve Heath then rested Cashman, Christie and Charlie Gorman as they were substituted, with AFC confidently seeing out the final whistle to pick up £1,300 in prize money and await their fourth round opponents.

On Wednesday, AFC head to Hadley in the Challenge Trophy as boss Heath said: “While I thought we were outstanding, Basildon just seemed to be going through the motions.

“Being top of their league and having had them watched twice, I was expecting a much tougher game as I saw them at London Bari and was impressed with their application and commitment.

“That was just not there though as we dominated for long periods and could have scored a few more.”

AFC: Perks, Massay, N Carney, Beck, Griffiths, B Carney, Frater, Gorman, Christie, Cashman, Hall.

Subs used: Humbert, Bufano, Griffith. Subs not used: Olaleye, Malone.

Attendance: 87.