Rhiney rises to snatch Arlesey winner at AFC

AFC Dunstable v Arlesey Town. Picture: June Essex.

Trailing at the break, the Blues battled to level before Tayor Rhiney popped up with the winner deep into stoppage time at Creasey Park.

It was a hugely satisfying victory over their Bedfordshire rivals and gives Arlesey some much needed breathing space at the foot of the Southern League Division One Central. They are now ten points clear of the bottom two with five games left to play.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half Arlesey were forced to defend for long periods as the home side pushed on.

AFC made their pressure pay six minutes before the break when a low cross in found BJ Christie, who turned well and hit a good low strike under Bart for 1-0.

The second period saw Arlesey break out a little and gradually they gained control of the midfield, showing a really good work rate.

With 20 minutes remaining a superb cross from Matt Hall found Tony Williams and he volleyed in from close range for the equaliser.

The Blues kept the pressure up and with time running down Williams was fouled out on the wing. He needed to come off and as that happened Dunstable appeared to switch off,

Luke Abraham needed no further invitation and delivered a great free kick that Rhiney rose high for to head into the far corner of the goal.

Even though eight minutes of added time was played the visitors saw out the match for a crucial three points and a league double over AFC.

Arlesey host Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday.