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9th September 2007
Toddington Rovers 0 AFC Dunstable 4
AFC got off to a slow start in their first ever competitive match of eleven a side football as the team, with plenty of new faces, took time to settle.
Neither goal keeper were particularly troubled until the the introduction of Oliver Cole just before half time. A long raking pass from Luke Pratt out of defence found Oliver Cole in space to attack. He flew down the right wing, past a couple of defenders and finished with a fine drive into the bottom corner.
The goal settled the AFC nerves and as the game wore on the midfield duo of Tommy Lauder and Jordan Benham took control of the game. Defenders Ben Marshall and Lewis Bruce grew in confidence as the game wore on and AFC started to knock the ball around with some panache.
Oliver Cole added a second, an own goal and a fourth from Luke Green completed the scoring.
Man of the match went to Oliver Cole.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Luke Pratt, Callum Horgan, Corey Richards, Tommy Lauder, Jordan Benham, Brayden Judge, Harry Carter, Luke Green,
Subs used: Oliver Cole, Jake Arch, Lewis Mallett, Anthony O Grady.
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16th September 2007
AFC Dunstable 3 Crawley Green 2
AFC showed their mettle in a pulsating and thrilling first home game of the season.
AFC continued to improve on the previous week's performance but found themselves two goals down at half time thanks to two excellent goals from the visitors, both the result of lightening breaks and sharp finishing.
AFC needed an early break and got it thanks to the new found talisman, Oliver Cole. Straight from the kick off AFC harried the opposition, won the ball and fed it through to Oliver Cole who fired home from close range.
Coach Brian Marshall introduced Anthony O Grady to add pace and tenacity to the midfield and the young, left footed player produced a memorable performance. In tandem with Tommy Lauder his tireless running released talented wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards who proceeded to tear the visitors defence to ribbons with some fine wing play.
Following a period of sustained pressure, the ball fell to Brayden Judge who wrapped his trusty left foot around the ball to slot the equaliser into the corner of the net.
Crawley Green continued to look dangerous at times but resolute defending, particularly from full backs Lewis Carey and Jake Arch and a couple of excellent saves from keeper Joe Carey kept them out.
As the game neared its end and as both teams spurned chances for victory, the match appeared to be heading for a draw until AFC won a corner. Anthony O Grady swung the ball over and it looped "George Best like" into the far corner to win the game much to the delight of the home supporters.
Man of the match: Anthony O Grady.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Luke Pratt, Callum Horgan, Corey Richards,Tommy Lauder, Jordan Benham, Brayden Judge, Luke Green, Oliver Cole.
Subs used: Jake Arch, Harry Carter, Lewis Mallett, Anthony O Grady.
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30th September 2007
AFC Dunstable 11 Barton Rovers 1
AFC swept aside a plucky Barton team with a scintilating first half performance as defence, midfield and attack clicked together like a well oiled machine.
The midfield centre pairing of Anthony O Grady and Tommy Lauder dominated the game from the start, allowing wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards to show their incisive, attacking play. Defenders Lewis Bruce, Callum Horgan, Jake Arch and Ben Marshall were miserly at the back and Oliver Cole and captain Luke Green started to look an effective partnership up front.
Oliver Cole helped himself to five goals and strike partner Luke Green adding to his tally for the season by bagging a brace. The other goals were shared amongst Corey Richards, Anthony O Grady, Tommy Lauder and Callum Horgan.
The pick of the bunch was Anthony O Grady's wonderful, dipping volley from the edge of the box that would have graced any game.
The man of the match award went to Corey Richards.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben marshall, Callam Horgan, Jake Arch, Anthony O Grady, Tommy Lauder, Corey Richards, Harry Carter, Oliver Cole, Luke Green.
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Jordan Benham, Lewis Mallett, Brayden Judge.
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21st October 2007
Shefford Saints 1 AFC Dunstable 7
Shefford Saints opened the scoring early in the first half with a speculative lob as AFC, playing their first competitive game for over three weeks, struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of the game.
However, AFC soon found the right groove and after 15 minutes Anthony O Grady levelled for the visitors.
Jake Arch settled into the role of sweeper and from a sound defensive platform the midfield took control. Luke Green and Anthony O Grady both hit the woodwork before AFC were finally rewarded as Corey Richards produced an exquisite chip to give AFC the lead just before half time.
AFC totally dominated the second half as wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards tore the home defence to shreds. Corey Richards and Anthony O Grady both bagged a brace in quick succession to make the game safe for AFC.
Defender Ben Marshall scored his first of the season, skillfully bringing the ball down from a corner before calmly slotting it into the top corner of the net.
Jordan Benham added a sixth goal, beating several defenders and then cracking a low drive past the keeper.
The seventh and final goal was scored by Callam Horgan who placed a right footed shot beyond the keeper's right hand to complete the scoring.
The Man of the match award went to Anthony O Grady for an all action midfield display.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Jake Arch, Luke Pratt, Callum Horgan, Tommy Lauder, Jordan Benham, Corey Richards, Anthony O Grady, Luke Green, Harry Carter.
Subs used: Ben Marshall, Brayden Judge.
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Sunday 4th November
AFC Dunstable 5 Leighton Town 1
AFC started a little sluggishly with the early initiative going to Leighton Town. Keeper Joe Carey was forced into making a couple of smart saves and sweeper Ben Marshall also had to make a few well timed challenges to keep the Leighton strikers at bay.
The AFC midfield slowly began to take control and it was not long before AFC took the lead thanks a brilliant piece of individual skill from Corey Richards who scored directly from a corner.
AFC increased their lead from another well worked corner with Captain Luke Green heading home and a third was added as AFC again profited from an accurate corner this time Tommy Lauder powering a header into the bottom corner.
Leighton continued to pose a threat and at times continued to stretch AFC's back line but full back's Lewis Bruce and Callam Horgan continued to tackle with resolve and determination.
Luke Green made the game safe for AFC pouncing to score after the Leighton keeper had pulled off a great save to deny Harry Carter.
Sub Lewis Malllet completed the AFC scoring, calmly slotting the ball beyond the reach of the advancing keeper.
Leighton continued to press forward and were rewarded with a well deserved consolation goal near the end.
Man of the match was given to Tommy Lauder for an exceptional and dominant midfield performance.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Callam Horgan, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Tommy Lauder, Anthony O Grady, Corey Richards, Brayden Judge, Harry Carter, Luke Green.
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Jake Arch, Lewis Mallett
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11th November 2007
AFC Dunstable 4 Ampthill Town 5
AFC Dunstable surrendered their 100% record in an armistice day thriller in a closely fought but unsuccessful contest.
AFC defended in the first half against a strong wind and found the conditions difficult to adapt to, conceeding two goals in the early minutes of the match and giving themselves a mountain to climb.
AFC slowly dragged themselves back into the contest being driven on by inspirational midfielder Tommy Lauder who headed in from close range five minutes before the break.
The goal re-ignited the belief in the team and the diminutive Brayden Judge notched the equaliser a minute later.
AFC joy was short lived however when direct from the kick off Amptill were awarded a penalty for a dubious handball which they duly slotted.
Undeterred, AFC pushed forward and their efforts were rewarded when Cory Richards was bought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Unfortunately for AFC, Tommy Lauder thundered the penalty against the bar and the keeper gathered up the rebound.
One minute into the second half and another harsh handball decision was given against AFC which was duly tucked expertly away despite the best efforts of keeper Joe Carey.
AFC laid siege to the Ampthill goal but the bravery and determination of the Ampthill team kept AFC out until full back Callam Horgan ghosted in at the far post to score the third goal.
A fourth penalty was then awarded for another handball this time against an Ampthill defender. However AFC spurned the opportunity when the dangerous Corey Richards blasted the penalty just wide of the upright.
Ampthill then added a fifth with an excellent breakaway move to make the game safe.
Just before the final whistle, Corey Richards pulled a goal back to complete the scoring at the end of a tremendously exciting and hard fought contest.
AFC: Joe Carey, Callam Horgan, Ben Marshall, Luke Pratt, Lewis Bruce, Anthony O Grady, Tommy Lauder, Jordan Benham, Corey Richards, Luke Green, Brayden Judge.
Subs used: Harry Carter, Jake Arch, Lewis Mallett.
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18th November 2007
AFC Dunstable 8 Toddington Rovers 0
AFC bounced back from last week's first defeat of the season in style with a tremendous team performance, blowing away a strong and determined Toddington side.
Right winger Corey Richards started the game very brightly and with only five minutes on the clock he scored a marvellous individual goal, picking the ball up in his own half, outsprinting the Toddington defence and finishing expertly with a fine cross-shot.
Tommy Lauder added a second shortly afterwards and as half time approached the hard working Harry Carter fired in a third.
Defensively, centre back pairing Ben Marshall and Jordan Benham looked calm and controlled, restricting Toddington to just a few long range drives.
AFC took total control just after half time as Corey Richards struck again.
This enabled AFC to cut loose and play some excellent, fast flowing football and were rewarded with a further two goals from Corey Richards, one for captain Luke Green and final one for sub Lewis Mallett.
Coach Brian Marshall was delighted by the performance of the whole team but chose Jordan Benham as his man of the match for a near flawless performance at centre back.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Callam Horgan, Corey Richards, Tommy Lauder, Anthony O Grady, Luke Green, Harry Carter, Brayden Judge
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Lewis Mallett
Sunday 13th January 2008
Cup Match
AFC Dunstable 7 Shefford Saints 1
Shefford were always facing an extremely difficult task, only being able to field 10 fit players and AFC showed no mercy in dispatching their plucky opponents.
The AFC central midfield pair of Tommy Lauder and Harry Carter quickly took control of the match, releasing wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards time and again to raid down both flanks.
Corey Richards proved a potent threat and quickly put AFC two goals up.
The lead was extended thanks to an own goal before the AFC defence was breached. A rare foray into the AFC penalty area led to keeper Joe Carey hauling down Shefford's lone striker. The penalty was duly dispatched with a cool finish.
AFC's fourth goal came just before half time from the most unlikliest of sources. Right back Lewis Bruce received the ball on the edge of the box and encouraged to shoot by the crowd fired in a low shot that was too hot for the Shefford Keeper to handle.
Substitutes Jake Arch and Luke Pratt entered the field adding a cutting edge and a defensive solidity respectively.
The second half continued as the first with Corey Richards adding another two goals and Captain Luke Green also getting on to the scoresheet.
Man of the match went to Corey Richards and coach Brian Marshall was delighted with his team's performance after the long Christmas break.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Callam Horgan, Brayden Judge, Tommy Lauder, Harry Carter, Corey Richards, Luke Green, Lewis Mallett
Subs used: Jake Arch, Luke Pratt
20th January 2008
AFC Dunstable 5 Shefford Saints 1
The two sides met for the second week running, this time in a league encounter and the visitors back to full strength.
AFC again quickly took control with Tommy Lauder again instrumental in midfield and Jordan Benham keeping things secure at the back.
After several good chances AFC took the lead when Captain Luke Green latched on to a fine through ball and finished with aplomb.
The chief tomentors of the visitors defence were wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards who found space to exploit on both wings. Brayden was thwarted by an excellent save from the Shefford keeper and he also blasted over from close range. Corey Richards was more clinical and produced a picure book goal curling in a beautiful shot to extend the lead before half time.
Just after half time AFC made sure of the victory with Tommy Lauder tapping home from close range after an Anthony O Grady corner.
Harry Carter added the fourth before the hardworking visitors pulled a goal back.
Corey Richards scored his second late on to complete the scoring and add the icing on the cake of another excellent team performance.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Callam Horgan, Brayden Judge, Tommy Lauder, Luke Pratt, Corey Richards, Luke Green, Lewis Mallett.
Subs used: Harry Carter, Anthony O Grady
27th January 2008
AFC Dunstable 3 Bedford FC 4
AFC tasted their first defeat of 2008 in a hard fought encounter between two well matched teams.
Bedford started much brighter of the two teams with their midfield working very hard to deny AFC any space or time on the ball. Tommy Lauder and Anthony O Grady were unable to impose themselves to their levels and so wingers Brayden Judge and Corey Richards were starved of any meaningful possession.
However AFC took the lead with a marvellous individual goal from Luke Green who collected the ball in the centre circle, drove forward before unleashing a tremendous drive from the edge of the box into the top corner of the net.
The lead was short lived as Bedford quickly restored parity and then took the lead as they dominated the first half.
Excellent defending from the AFC back four of Ben Marshall, Callam Horgan, Lewis Bruce and Jordan Benham stopped Bedford from increasing their lead.
Shortly after half time AFC drew level as Anthony O Grady fired in a penalty.
However, Bedford maintained their stranglehold on the game and added two more goals in quick succession.
AFC subs Luke Pratt and Lewis Mallett were brought on and both made an impression on the game with Luke working hard at left back whilst Lewis managed to pull a goal back with a few minutes remaining but AFC were unable to breach the Bedford defence again.
AFC man of the match award went to Ben Marshall for an excellent defensive display.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Callam Horgan, Corey Richards, Anthony O Grady, Tommy Lauder, Brayden Judge, Luke Green, Harry Carter.
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Lewis Mallett.
Sunday 3rd February 2008
Barton Rovers 1 AFC Dunstable 3
AFC shook off the disappointment of last week's defeat with a tremendous display of attacking football and resolute defending in very windy conditions.
AFC dominated from the start with Anthony O Grady and Tommy Lauder bossing the midfield.
The strong wing favoured AFC and most of the time was spent camped in the Barton half. After several opprtunties and some brave defending from the home team, AFC established a three goal lead thanks to Luke Green, Anthony O Grady and Corey Richards all of whom scored with low shots.
On a rare visit to the AFC half Barton pulled a goal back with an excellent direct freekick.
At half time the players were told of the importance to keep the ball on the floor especially because of the prevailing wind. AFC responded with an outstanding display of controlled football. Brayden Judge in particular produced a wonderful performance, making a mockery of difficult playing conditions.
The defence produced their best display of the season and succeeded in shutting out the Barton attack. Harry Carter playing at sweeper commanded proceedings at the back.
Man of the match: Brayden Judge
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Luke Pratt, Corey Richards, Tommy Lauder, Anthony O Grady, Corey Richards, Lewis Mallett, Luke Green.
Subs used: Harry Carter, Callam Horgan
9th March 2008
Leighton Town 4 AFC Dunstable 4
Leighton Town started much brighter and quicker than a slumbering AFC and it was no surprise when Leighton Town capitalised on some slack AFC defending to open the scoring. Worse was to follow soon aftewards when keeper Joe Carey misjudged a speculative shot and ball bounced over his head and into the net.
AFC finally woke up and responded with Tommy Lauder and Anthony O Grady starting to gain a grip in midfield and the latter pulled a goal back rifling in a fine drive from the edge of the box.
AFC were in the ascendancy and as the half drew to close a Corey Richards shot levelled the score.
The second half again saw AFC making hard work for themselves and went behind when the unlucky Jordan Benham scored in the wrong net. The AFC response was swift and in the move of the match Harry Carter fired in the third from a tight angle.
Leighton took the lead again as a shot from distance was caught on the wind and sailed into the top corner. In an effort to drag themselves back into the game again, AFC switched formation to three at the back pushng Jordan Benham into midfield and he came close with a scorching drive that clattered off the crossbar. Luke Green put the ball into the net but the goal was disallowed as it winger Brayden Judge had just overun the ball beyond the touchline before crossing.
AFC finally got the equaliser thanks to a Leighton own goal.
Both sides had chances to win but Joe Carey produced an excellent save and the Leighton keeper was in inspired form saving two goalbound efforts from Jake Arch and one from Brayden Judge. In the final minute Anthony O Grady fired just over the bar with another fine shot.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Callam Horgan, Brayden Judge, Tommy Lauder, Anthony O Grady, Corey Richards, Luke Green, Harry Carter.
Man of the match: Callam Horgan
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Jake Arch, Lewis Mallett.
16th March 2008
League Cup Quarter Final
AFC Dunstable 3 Kempston 1
AFC clinched their place in the semi final line up with a battling display in atrocious weather conditions.
AFC grasped the game by the scruff of the neck from the start and quckly adapted to the driving rain and strong wind, keeping the ball on the floor and contesting every loose ball. The determined defensive display produced by the back four gave AFC the platform they needed.
Midfield duo Tommy lauder and Anthony O Grady drove AFC forward and left winger Brayden Judge tore the opposition defence to shreds. Brayden opened the scoring following good work from Lewis Mallett.
The lead was extended as Luke Green latched on to a delightful through ball from Anthony O Grady to finish with a low drive.
The visitors continued to make a game of it and looked threatening on the break. Keeper Joe Carey produced one outstanding save from such an attack.
AFC made the game safe early into the second half scoring a third goal via a corner with defender Ben Marshall claiming the last touch.
Kempston continued to cause a threat and were rewarded near the end with a consolation from the penalty spot.
Coach Brian Marshall awarded man of the match award jointly to Brayden Judge and Luke Green.
AFC: Joe Carey, Lewis Bruce, Ben Marshall, Jordan Benham, Callam Horgan, Corey Richards, Anthony O Grady, Tommy Lauder, Brayden Judge, Luke Green, Harry Carter.
Subs used: Luke Pratt, Lewis Mallett.
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