Blues 1 AFC Dunstable 0

Leiston overcame a spirited AFC Dunstable at Victory Road to advance to the second qualifying round of this season’s Emirates FA Cup writes Mark Barber. Joe Jefford’s header just before half time was enough for the Blues to see off their opponents from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division in a match sponsored by Alan Crane, Steve Cooper and Tim Jacobs. AFC Dunstable came to be competitive and signalled their intent to unsettle the hosts after just 3 minutes when Joshua Hombert clashed into the back of Gareth Heath's head, the Blues central midfielder certainly feeling the worse for wear after that and the visitors number 10 picking up the first of several bookings in the game. The strong breeze proved to be a leveller and AFC Dunstable, with the wind at their backs, were keen to show their quality, left back Newman Carney continually delivering some dangerous set pieces into the Leiston box. The Blues had the first real effort on goal on 14 minutes. Roy Byron was adjudged to have had a high foot as Joe Francis stuck his head in to win the ball and the resulting Stuart Boardley free kick forced keeper Richard Perks into a good stop to his left. On 22 minutes Leiston worked the ball out wide left and Danny Cunningham’s long, sweeping cross was met by Leon Ottley Gooch, who out jumped his marker, but he could only direct the ball high over Perks’ crossbar. The visitors looked to break quickly when they could and Jermaine Hall, leading scorer last season, worked hard running in the channels but was kept quiet and never had a real sight of goal. Just as the first half was coming to a quiet end the Blues took control of the game with the first bit of real quality. Joe Francis, in behind the away defence for the first time, was brought down on the left hand edge of the box. Gareth Heath’s free kick was pin point for Joe Jefford to rise and head home into the corner and give the home side the lead. This advantage was almost wiped out immediately. Deep into first half stoppage time the visitors forced a couple of corners and once again the delivery of Newman Carney was exceptional and Brandon Carney’s flick was stopped smartly by Ashlee Jones and the ball was then cleared following a dramatic goal line clearance, denying them an equaliser.

HT - Blues 1 AFC Dunstable 0

As has been the case this season Leiston started the second half with a more intent and direct threat and forced three quick corners, in which Christy Finch went close. Leiston opted to utilise the wind with direct in-swinging corners, Gareth Heath with his right foot and Danny Cunningham his left. The visitors made a couple of quick changes with half an hour still to go, Terry Griffiths and Taishan Griffiths coming on for Billy Baird and Josh Hombert. Centre half Leon Cashman was pushed into a more advanced role as AFC Dunstable looked for an equaliser. On 64 minutes the visitors thought they had equalised but Brandon Carney’s joy was short lived as the assistant on the far side had his flag up for offside. A let off for the Blues which signalled a couple of changes with Billy Clark and John Sands coming on for Joe Francis and Christy Finch as Blues boss Richard Wilkins went in search of a second goal. They nearly had it courtesy of Joe Jefford once again. Danny Cunningham took a free kick mid way inside the visitors half and for the first time away keeper Perks missed the ball but Joe Jefford could only head just wide from a tight angle. As both teams visibly tired the Blues made good use of the huge goal kicks of Ashlee Jones aided by the wind and on more than one occasion forced a corner direct from a goal kick. Leon Cashman and Roy Byron both had half chances for the visitors but it was Leiston who had the better opportunity to extend their lead. Another long Ashlee Jones kick found John Sands through on goal but his powerful half volley flew over the top. A period of AFC Dunstable possession was broken by Seb Dunbar whose good driving run eased the pressure on the home defence. As the game entered 4 minutes of stoppage time Leiston looked like they were going to be able to keep the ball and see the game out. However AFC Dunstable managed to grab a last gasp corner which keeper Richard Perks had no hesitation in charging up for. The ball eluded him however but a low driven shot from Courtney Massey outside the area forced Ashlee Jones into a match winning save and the Referee blew for full time straight after. Leiston will be pleased to come through the tie after a very tough game. Credit must go to AFC Dunstable for the way they approached the game and no doubt they will feel unlucky not to have forced a replay. Leiston will find out on Monday who they will play in the Second Round of Qualifying with that tie to take place on Saturday, September 26.

FT - Blues 1 AFC Dunstable 0

Blues - Jones, Saker, Dunbar, Brothers, Jefford, Boardley, Ottley Gooch, Heath, Finch (Sands 71 mins), Cunningham, Francis (Clark 68 mins). Subs not used - Winter, Baker and Goodwin.

AFC Dunstable - Perks, Massay, N.Carney, Ryan, Cashman, Baird (Taishan Griffiths 61 mins), B.Carney, Olaleye, Byron, Humbert (Terry Griffiths 56 mins), Hall (Jones 83 mins). Sub not used - Bufano.

Match sponsors Alan Crane, Steve Cooper & Tim Jacobs Man of the Match - Danny Cunningham

Attendance - 161