AFC Dunstable 2 Aylesbury FC 0

Moles Go Down at Dunstable

Report by Marc Keinc

FC fans could have previously been forgiven for expecting the worst coming to play a team in such fine form and second in the table, however with the fine away form of the moles side thus far this season, the fans made the trip along to Dunstable with hopes of nicking something special once again. Despite a resolute and battling performance from Aylesbury in the January cold, it wasn't to be as FC went down 2-0 to a promotion chasing AFC Dunstable side.

Early on the tone for the game was set with pressure from both sides and plenty of meaty tackles to test the ref. An attack down the right wing by Hafid Bounyafe supported by Garry Jones was whipped into the box and the resulting header from Brian Haule was blocked, leading to raucous calls for handball from the men in red and black as Davis Haule missed the follow up. Down the other end, the FC defence were being tested themselves, a Dunstable shot was spilled by Ashley Jenkins into the path of Terry Griffiths, who fortunately skied into the car park from five yards out.

A promising Ben Stevens long ball from the centre of the field found it's way over to Brian Haule who had managed to break through the defense, but he couldn't find the touch he needed to keep the ball under control and the ball went out behind.

Then on the 32nd minute AFC Dunstable broke the deadlock, as leading goalscorer Jermaine Hall broke through FC's defence to slot the ball past Ashley Jenkins. 1-0.

FC resumed the pressure, playing some good football but were unable to create the final product needed in the final third to cause any real threat. A late first half Garry Jones cross met the head of Brian Haule, who could only head into the hands of keeper Jamie Head.

The second half kicked off with FC looking to get back into the game, and introduced Harry Scott on the wing in place of Hafid Bounyafe to see if he could unlock the AFC Dunstable back line. However soon after it was the home side who were pushing for that second goal, and it was that man again, Jermaine Hall. A slip up in the FC defence left the ball to the ruthless striker to slot home and make FC's afternoon even harder. A Kerran Lataille shot from range hit it's target soon after but couldn't find the strength to beat Jamie Head.

Around ten minutes before the end, a scything tackle from Brian Haule in midfield was greeted with anger and calls for the red card from the home side, luckily the ref only gave a yellow on what could have been a red card challenge with another referee in charge.

FC pushed forward once more but didn't look like breaking down AFC Dunstable, who intercepted and dealt with the long ball well. Late on, keeper Jamie Head rushed out to the byline to clear the ball, only to be met by Jordan Jenkins who dived in for the ball, managing with the reflection to send it only inches wide of the goal. A special mention and congratulations must go to Under 18's striker Cian Banert, who came on late on to make his debut for Aylesbury FC replacing Brian Haule. With the full time whistle blown, FC's away win streak was broken, however the team must held their heads high and look on to Chalfont at home next week.h