Hertford hammered as AFC Dunstable warm up for AFC Rushden & Diamonds FA Vase tie

Despite missing six first-teamer AFC Dunstable came from a goal down to triumph 4-1 at Herford Town against the odds with a stunning performance in the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division on Tuesday night.

AFC started strongly as Chris Francis rounded the keeper after 10 minutes but, instead of setting up man of the match James Bishop in for a tap-in, he saw his shot blocked by the covering defender.

Instead Hertford took the lead with a great strike into the bottom corner after 28 minutes through Adam Lawton.

The visitors responded magnificently after boss Alex Butler’s half time talk and within 15 minutes of the restart were 3-1 up.

James Baldry’s 48th-minute header levelled the scores and they took the lead two minutes later with a flowing move.

Courtney Massey released Kyle Lincoln on the wing and he slipped an inch-perfect ball into the path of Francis to volley home.

And Gareth Harnaman made it 3-1 with a stunning free-kick on 58 minutes.

Ryan Darby pulled off a smart save for AFC before James Bishop found room in the box to drill the ball into the bottom corner on 70 minutes.

AFC could have won by more as Richard Barker went close and sub Ibbo Emberton hit a post.

Butler added: “All in all it was a stunning performance against a decent Hertfordshire side, which gives us great confidence and sets us up nicely for the big FA Vase game this Saturday at Creasey Park versus Rushden & Diamonds.

“For any luton supporters out there, come along to what promises to be a cracking game, and you will be able to watch the Luton game within our clubhouse after our game.”

Attendance: 93.