2018-19 Match Reports

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31st March - Marlow United 1 AFC Dunstable 0

Three vital points were dropped by AFC in their pursuit of a play off place, as Marlow defended a 1st half goal as if their lives depended on it and their keeper had a inspired game.

With all the inclement weather about, it was felt the game could be in jeopardy, but the call came through from Marlow that the pitch was dry and ready to go.

With Brett Longden serving his first game of a 6 match suspension, AFC manager Steve Heath had to rejig his defence and it was midfielder Christian Tavernier that had to slot into right back.

To say AFC's 1st half performance was lack lustre was an understatement. All the high energy that has been on show recently was missing for some reason. After smashing Arlesey Town for 7 the previous Saturday, confidence was high before the game. Maybe mis-placed confidence was in place as the team look mis-jointed. It was the hosts who got the only goal of the game, when the visitors failed to clear the ball and Curtis Chappel took full advantage to fire home on 16 minutes.

Half time: Marlow United 1 AFC Dunstable 0

AFC needed to up their game and while the team did not look at their best, they had enough chances to secure the points. Unfortunately for them, they found a certain Simon Grant in the Marlow goal was going to have a blinder in the 2nd half.

On 56 minutes he denied Nathan Frater with a great low down save. As Frater cut inside, his shot seemed destined for the far corner, but Grant somehow kept it out. It was a Frater effort 8 minutes later that saw Grant in action again. This time his strike was on target but Grant pushed his effort over the bar.

70 minutes were now on the clock, when you could tell it was going to Grant's day. He looked less than safe when he palmed out a cross to BJ Christie. The AFC striker returned the ball only to see it strike the crossbar.

It was now becoming evident it was not going to be the OD's day. This was proved on 73 minutes when Jermaine Hall had the chance to draw AFC level. From a Christie pass he came up against Grant, but yet again he denied the visitors.

So in the end, AFC would rue a poor 1st half and an inspired performance from the home keeper. 

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