If you’ve not seen the clip yet on social media of our new U18’s celebrating the giant-killing feat of knocking out National League North side Brackley Town’s U18’s please do so. Everything you want to see if you are a Blues fan is there. The passion and commitment to the badge and the joy of doing something many thought impossible. And best of all? Well, how about the possibility that some of these players will be knocking on Gareth Jackson’s door in a couple of years ready to stake a claim to go on the First Team teamsheet.
Seasoned followers and supporters of Dunstable Town FC haven’t had an enormous amount to cheer about for a little while now, but on Thursday evening, cheered on by a crowd of 74, the young men, coached by Kevin Randall, Daniel Gaskin & Telmo Jesus, finally gave the home crowd something to cheer loudly.
A deserved 75th-minute equalizer from Eben set the game up nicely for the agony of a penalty shoot-out after 90 minutes. And I use the word “agony” because that’s exactly what it was.
Blues keeper, Kyle, made two outstanding saves from the spot, and cool as you like spot kicks from Andy, Archie, Josh and Steffan put the lads through to the next round where they now face AFC Rushden & Diamonds at Creasey Park in the next round on Thursday, September 16th.
We’ve been without an U18’s side for “a long time” Our partnership with Pro:Direct Academy Luton has enabled the Club to re-introduce a pathway back into the First Team following the Club’s well documented folding of the Development Team just over a year ago.
It didn’t take long for the committed and the curious to take note of a few names on the teamsheet. The speed shown by David accelerating at a blistering pace down the left wing, and the steady hand on the rudder shown by the backline superbly captained by Archie all won warm praise.
Only inches separated David from putting Dunstable one up early doors as he rounded the keeper only to find the angle a little too tight. Twice in the second half the woodwork rescued Brackley who had gone ahead from the penalty spot shortly after the re-start.
Playing a higher backline the away team took control for a sustained period until Dunstable found the key to unlock the door, and wave upon wave of blue shirts swept forward looking for parity, which finally came much to the home crowd’s relief.
The away side’s job got that much harder as they went down to 10 men following a straight red card. Credit to the away team who battled all the way and played some attractive football. You sensed that yesterday wasn’t going to be their night, but their own night of triumph will come & we wish them well for the season and thank them for the sporting manner in which the game was played and the gracious manner in which they took defeat.
So, a date for your diaries then, Thursday 16th September, Creasey Park, kick-off 7.45 pm, FA Youth Cup 1st Round Qualifying v Step 3 side AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who are also a Community/Fans owned Community Benefit Society Club. If last night was anything to go by, we’re in for a treat!
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