Report by Jools Thomas

A stunning volley and penalty gave the home side a comfortable lead before an own goal and close range pounce saw the visitors reply.

The first half was most definitely FC’s. This started as early as the 2nd minute. With the ball bouncing about, Kieron Turner hit a spectacular volley that crashed past Dunstable keeper Ricky Perks to give the home side the lead. Dylan Cascoe had a solid half and his work on the left produced a decent hit which Perks did well to hold as the home side looked to increase the score line.
FC doubled their lead soon afterwards. Turner rounded the keeper and although his shot was weak, the defender on the line inexplicably handled on the line before the ball was slapped home anyway. The referee drew play back, sent off the Dunstable man and awarded a penalty which Mark Lambert sent down the middle to make it 2-0.

With a 2 goal lead and a man advantage, the wind was certainly in FC’s sails. Ty Deacon almost took advantage of a mix up on 24 minutes putting the ball past the keeper and also past the far post. The same man tried again three minutes later before Cascoe hit his half volley just wide.

It wasn’t until 28 minutes that the away team had any type of chance when Jon Montgomery conceded a corner. The same man would receive a red card on 33 minutes when his stamp on Moses Olaleye gave the referee little option. Still FC continued to attack and Lee Stobbs chased down the ball but his powerful shot was well saved by the keeper.

Bernie Christie, for the visitors, had an eventful game. With a few minutes until half time his low strike forced Ashley Jenkins into a save and with the game moving into injury time, Ashley’s brother Jordan heading past him to make the score 2-1.
Brandon Carney should really have equalised on 47 minutes but blasted the ball over from 5 yards. In reply, Cascoe twisted and turned but the end product was too high and wide. Cascoe again had a fair chance on the hour mark as he headed over Lee Stobbs’ cross.
Christie, a man who many would deem lucky to still be on the pitch after a crunching tackle on Jenkins whilst on a yellow card, grabbed his team’s equaliser. A right wing cross to feet, allowed him to turn and send a low past Jenkins for the equaliser. FC attempted to strike back immediately but a combination of Stobbs and Cascoe failed to capitalise although Cascoe’s final shot brought out a decent save from Perks

From then on in, it was pretty much backs to the wall for FC. Christie hit a forceful effort straight at Jenkins before Jason Becks tested the FC keeper with a header. Ty Deacon made a rare foray into the visitors’ half with a swipe that just flew wide before Jordan Jenkins was denied his second own goal of the game as Ashley Jenkins rose to grab his sliced clearance.

A disallowed goal for offside was a heart in mouth moment for FC but deep into injury time, AFC Dunstable were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box. Ex Mole Danny Murphy, a deadly marksman at the range, hovered over the ball but much to the surprise and relief of the home fans, a teammate took the kick, hitting the attempt over the bar with the referee blowing for time soon afterwards.