Three Away Points

AFC went into this game looking to maintain an unbeaten Ryman North run that stretched back for twelve games and should they remain unbeaten would equal the club’s best unbeaten run in the league since they joined it.

They did equal the record and will now look to better it in their next fixture at home to Chatham Town.

Manager Godbold was hopefully of having a full squad to select from, but Kris Newby was missing due to a family commitment, so it was the same team as the previous future except for Ayrton Coley replacing Newby. Captain Clarke took a spot on the bench his ankle injury having repaired itself sufficiently.

Thamesmead have eventually moved into their new stand complex and it gives an excellent view of the pitch from it.

The game was barely into the third minute when AFC scored what was to be the decisive goal of the game. Some good work in midfield led to the ball finding its way onto the right side where Josh Kerridge crossed it into the six yard box; there was Craig Parker to control the ball well and then volley it back across the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.

The same player had another chance three minutes later but fired high over the bar from a Jordan Blackwell cross. Thirteen minutes had gone when AFC were awarded a free-kick centrally. Up stepped new signing Luke Callander to blast the ball goalwards with keeper Budd tipping it over the bar.

The home side had an effort after Ollie Berquez lost the ball and Gordon-Young raced forward and shot wide of Marcus Garnham’s goal. AFC countered and Ben Robinson did well giving a good through ball to Parker who slipped it Callander who shot just wide.

There was controversy on twenty-four minutes James Baker still playing in a central defensive position tangled with Asante on the edge of the penalty area. The immediate reaction was that the man in middle had given the home side a penalty; however after some confusion he booked for simulation much to the disbelief of the home management and supports and the relief of AFC and their followers.

Having been warned a few minutes earlier Berquez was booked for another foul just after the half hour mark. AFC though they had increased their lead when the ball was headed home but it was deemed to have gone out of play prior to being played back into the box.

Asante had an effort for Thamesmead but Garnham safely cradled the ball in his arms. Duncan was booked, having been spoken to for a foul on Blackwell he then upended Berquez and the referee took him name.

Half time; Thamesmead Town 0 AFC Sudbury 1

Callander picked up his first Sudbury booking two minutes into the half venting his displeasure at a referee’s decision. ‘Meads Gordon-Young then curled a shot that Garnham collected. Benner then made a mistake losing the ball and Parker went forward with purpose but could not capitalise.

Coley was replaced by Terry Rymer on sixty-six minutes prompting a slight change in AFC’s formation. Five minutes later Callander out on the left sent in a dipping shot towards the far post and Budd scrambling back tipped it away for a corner.

The home side continued to try and pull back the deficit and time and again James Baker repelled their attacks using his vast experience.

AFC made another change with Scott Kemp taking over from Callander with seven minutes left, a minute later and Thamesmead’s Gordon-Young got in a great shot that Garnham got down well to save and keep his goal intact.

The home side made a triple substitution with two minutes to go. Blackwell and Proberts both went for the ball in front of the stands and the AFC youngster came off worse and the referee deemed it necessary to book the home man.

The final whistle went and the seventy spectators the majority from Sudbury had seen an entertaining game and the three points on their way back to Suffolk.

Att 70

YNOT