Top Of The Table Derby Clash - Dunstable Town vs. AFC Dunstable

Uncertain sky over Creasey Park

On Saturday I headed for the big derby clash between Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable at Creasey Park. The match had added extra significance as the sides were only separated by two points and the teams were sat at second and third in the league table. Town were also the league's top scorers with an impressive 110 goals so far this season, while AFC had the best defence in the league, conceding only 32 times. In the reverse fixture which was also played at Creasey Park, AFC inflicted one of only three defeats on Town in front of 565 fans. The stage was set for a great game.

The stand at Creasey Park

The match has an even start and unlike a lot of derbys there is a lack of heavy challenges in the first few minutes. Town begin to dominate and this sets the tone for the rest of first half. Town come close with a header which goes just wide of the back post following a corner and shortly afterwards they hit the post and no one can knock the rebound in. Town then have a headed effort cleared off the line as they continue their dominance. They get the lead they deserve two minutes before half time when a rebound is knocked in following an effort which had hit the bar. 

Over 350 people came to see the derby clash.

Town continue to look comfortable at the start of the second half but AFC soon begin exert pressure on the home side. They manage to get in to good positions but fail to find the final ball. Despite the added pressure from AFC, they fail to make the Town keeper make a save and towards the end of the second half some late tackles begin to creep in but the referee manages to keep control. Town manage to hold on to gain revenge for their defeat earlier season.

View towards the grass bank behind one of the goals.

Dunstable doesn't have a train station and the nearest station is Luton. From here you can get the number 70 bus from close to the station to Brewers Hill Road and the ground is a five minute walk from here. The journey takes about 30 minutes but the traffic in Luton town centre is horrific and the journey can take a little longer. Trains to Luton depart from St Pancras on a regular basis and can take between twenty and forty minutes. Before the game I went to The Old Sugar Loaf on the High Street and is about fifteen minute walk from Creasey Park. The clubhouse looks brand new and is a decent size.

Town attack in the first half.