Griffiths strikes late to win it for AFC

AFC Dunstable used up one their ‘get out of jail free’ cards, as they were gifted victory over Colney Heath at the weekend.

With just two minutes remaining and the scores at 1-1, an unfortunate slip up by the visiting keeper, saw Terry Griffiths tap home from two yards to earn victory.

AFC boss Steve Heath rang the changes from last Saturday as in came Leon Cashman, Danny Ryan, Jon Cooper and Gary Malone between the sticks.

Out went Griffiths and Taishan Griffith, who dropped to the bench, while Jason Beck was injured and Ricky Perks unavailable.

AFC came roaring out the blocks as a perfect run by BJ Christie, saw him beat the offside trap to fire home after just 41 seconds.

The visitors came close when a strike by Tobi Omotosho was tipped over the bar by Malone, while AFC’s Bufano headed Newman Carney’s corner wide.

In the second period, the hosts thought they had doubled their lead when Cashman slotted home, but he was flagged offside.

AFC remained on the front foot as low shots from Christie and Cashman were easily fielded by Olly Leslie in the Magpies goal.

However, Colney Heath were always in the game as a pot shot was cleared by Newman Carney.

Christie was denied his brace by Leslie, while a Courtney Massay cross was met by Brandon Carney who put his header wide.

Omotosho went close for the visitors as did Bufano once more, but with 10 minutes left, Colney had their equaliser as Steve Burford’s shot was too hot to handle for Malone.

The AFC keeper had to make a fine save shortly afterwards, before the hosts’ fortunate winner as Leslie dropped Newman Carney’s free kick and Griffiths gleefully tapped home.

Afterwards, AFC boss Heath said: “While people will look at the result and see a late winner, it does not tell the full story.

“You have to give Colney Heath great credit. They conceded a very early goal but did not panic.

“They did set up quite defensively in the first half but went for it in the second.

“I have told my players, that is what we will have to expect being top of the league, as teams will not just roll over.”

AFC remained top by four points from London Colney with a game in hand after Hertford Town saw their unbeaten record go, losing at Broxbourne Borough.

AFC host FC Clacton in the FA Vase this weekend.

AFC: Malone, Massay, N Carney, Bufano, Ryan, B Carney, Cooper, Olaleye, Christie, Byron, Cashman.

Subs used: Humbert, Griffiths, Griffith. Subs not used: Baird, Silvestri.

Attendance 66.