Heath scores first win as AFC Dunstable boss

Steve Heath claimed his first victory as AFC Dunstable boss as his side beat Harefield United 2-0 at Creasey Park in the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division on Saturday.

After a number of draws, happy Heath said: “It’s great to register a win, not for me, but for all the boys today.

“They have been fantastic and they all understand what I am trying to achieve at AFC.

“They all turn up for training and are starting to see what my aim is.

“It was a massive shock to lose 80 per cent of the squad when I took over, but I would like to thank the 20 per cent who stayed and have welcomed all the players I have brought in.”

George Higley replaced the unavailable James Baldry at left-back and, with Heath deciding to play just one up front, Connor Smith was sacrificed as James Bishop started in a midfield five.

AFC looked solid, but also had the attacking threats of Courtney Massey and Lee Stobbs out wide.

An even first half saw both sides probe without much end product, as the Harefield keeper made a decent save from a Massey effort.

AFC finally broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when Fabio Bufano volleyed in from a corner.

The Hares were then reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time when Max Farelly took an elbow in the face.

Dunstable looked to capitalise on the extra man as they pushed forward for the first 15 minutes of the second half, enjoying plenty of the ball without really testing the Harefield keeper.

With victory in sight nervous AFC allowed United to fire a couple of shots wide.

And, with Harefield pushing for an equaliser, Ryan Quinn outpaced their defence and fired against the bar, with sub Smith on hand to knock in the rebound with eight minutes to go.

On Tuesday AFC head to London Tigers and on Saturday visit Hoddesdon Town.

Attendance: 67.