14th October - Uxbridge 0 AFC Dunstable 1

Technically, after 5 wins without a win, AFC got back to winning ways with this narrow win over Uxbridge. In that winless run, a penalty shoot out win over local rivals Dunstable Town was the only positive outcome after the game finished 1-1 in the Big Free Bet League Cup.

After the limp less performance in the FA Trophy the previous Saturday against Corinthian Casuals, AFC boss Steve Heath has decided to make some stern decisions. The first two he has made is to release Courtney Massay and Marcus Campbell.

With keeper Jamie Head unavailable, the delightful named Denzelle St Louis Hamilton was between the sticks after signing on Thursday.

So the big question at the start of this game was, who would be right back. With Massay gone and James Bishop suspended, it was a surprise to see Christian Tavernier slot in there, who in the end had a fine game.

With the hosts also looking to end a barren run, it was AFC who struck first, in what proved to be the only goal of the game. 23 minutes were on the clock, when good work out wide by Nathan Frater set up Jermaine Hall to head home. The visitors continued to press and BJ Christie nearly doubled their lead on the half hour but was denied by a fine save from Uxbridge's keeper Paul McCarthy

With half time approaching, it was Ryan Frater's turn to be denied. From a corner, his powerful header was cleared off the line.

Half time: Uxbridge 0 AFC Dunstable 1

AFC continued to press, as McCarthy was called into action again to make a great save from a Lee Close header on 55 minutes.

Then the home side had their first real chance of the game 2 minutes later. A slick move resulted in a shot at goal but  Hamilton saved quite easy.

The first real talking point of the game came on the hour. A silly scuffle broke out between Close and Luke Warnereley. The latter decided to throw the ball at Close and received his marching orders.

Down to 10 men, this seemed to invigorate Uxbridge, as they pushed forward looking for the equaliser, without really testing Hamilton in the AFC goal.

With the game drawing to a close, the hosts found themselves down to 9 men when Rhyls Rabess was shown a red card. This enraged their manager so much, he was sent to the stands.

So on reflection what looks like a tight game, AFC had more of the chances and could have left Honeycroft with more goals but a 1-0 win will do nicely.

Team: Hamilton. Tavernier. Murphy. R.Frater. Griffiths. Carney. Close (Mannion 75). Olaleye. Christie (Silford 85). Hall (Bircham 68). N.Frater. Subs not used. Morgan. Langston

Scorer: Hall (23)

Go to top