23rd August - Tring Athletic 0 AFC Dunstable 5

With the title now within touching distance, AFC knew it was going to be a tough encounter against a Tring side that has taken 18 points from top 6 teams in the league over the season.

The visitors knew that if they won and London Colney dropped any points, then the celebrations could begin but they will have to wait. Even though AFC have a 25 goal advantage swing with their goal difference, they still need a point to make it mathematically theirs with 2 games remaining.

The OD's got off to the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty after 4 minutes when Nathan Frater was dragged back. Leon Cashman struck home the spot kick. AFC continued to look for a 2nd and it came when a BJ Christie flick on found Frater, who ran through in the 26th minute to fire home.

While the visitors seemed to have the game under control, they had to call on Ricky Perks to save with his legs to preserve the 2 goal lead. It was soon 3-0 though when a Christie header slipped through the hands of Trings keeper Jack Hopwood.

Half Time: Tring Athletic 0 AFC Dunstable 3

During the half time break, AFC needed to make a change as Newman Carney picked up a knock, so Danny Jones replaced him. With London Colney leading in their game, it was looking more like AFC would have to wait another week. Then news came through that St Margaretsbury had a penalty on the hour. Unfortunately they blasted the kick over the bar. In response AFC stretched their lead when Jermaine Hall fired home from close range.

Looking to extend their goal difference, AFC made it 5-0 in the 90th minute when Christie notched his 49th goal of the season and the teams 116th in the league.

With a trip to Colney Heath next Saturday, it will give the team the chance to take home the spoils but that will not be easy, as they are fighting for their lives in a relegation dog fight. Though if London Colney drop any points with their 2 midweek games, then the title is secured.

AFC boss Steve Heath again paid tribute to his players saying "today was without doubt another potentially tough game. Tring had only lost 4 games at home this season and have beaten 5 teams who have occupied top 6 places. Coupled with just reaching a cup final on Tuesday night, their confidence must have been high. Even though our usual high intensity was not so evident today, the lads had the game under control and were so clinical when the chances came" he continued " it was a shame we did not tie up the title today, but it just goes to show what an extremely tough league this is to win"

AFC Team: Perks. Massay. N.Carney. Griffiths. Cashman. Olaleye. Gorman. Humbert. Christie. Hall. Frater. Subs used. Jones. Byron. Darby. Subs not used. Morgan. Langston

Scorers: Christie (36,90). Cashman (4p). Frater (26). Hall (60)

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