Three Points For Ten Man AFC

AFC went into the game in fourth place in the table, and at the end of the evening were back in second after defeating bottom of the table Swift, this despite going behind twice and playing for nearly an hour with ten men!

Sam Clarke made his 300th appearance a Sam Bantick hat trick and an addition to Ollie Berquez’s family made it a good night despite Ryan Henshaw being sent off.

Ollie Canfer and Jordan Blackwell came back into the starting line-up, with Clarke and Liam Wales rested on to the bench.
AFC should have scored in only the second minute Bantick somehow firing over from close range with an open goal in front of him. Canfer then had a shot as did Luke Callander as the home side pressed their Essex opponents.

Sartain for the visitors fired over the AFC bar and then Fagbohun was shepherded well by James baker who was wearing the captain’s armband.Ben Robinson worked his way well down the right getting into the penalty area getting the ball to Craig Parker but his effort was blocked.

Against the run of play Heybridge went ahead in the twenty-fifth minute when a long ball out of defence found Hunt who went forward and shot low and hard with it beating Ollie Bowles from some thirty yards.

Ashford for Heybridge was booked for a foul on Bantick before AFC’s newest signing got on the score sheet again. He pressed forward on the left and fired home with his right foot to level the scores.

It was only three minutes later that AFC were behind again and down to ten men. Sartain shot from close range and Ryan Henshaw was given little alternative but to instinctively handle the ball to stop it going into the net. He was sent off and Fagbohun stepped up and scored from the spot.

Canfer went back into defence and AFC still pressed and got another equaliser six minutes from the break and it was another goal for Bantick as he shot home on the run. Robinson picked up a yellow card for a niggly foul and just before half time Blackwell had a shot the earned a corner from which Callander swept over the crossbar.

Half Time: - AFC Sudbury 2 Heybridge Swifts 2

Ten minutes after the re-start Sudbury were in front for the first time in the game. Following a free-kick Callander scored at the far post. On the hour mark Sartain was booked for a foul on the lively Blackwell.

Ashford was replaced by Loveridge for Swifts and they had a chance but fluffed their lines.

Sam Clarke came on to great applause to celebrate his 300th first team appearance for the club before AFC went further ahead. It was Clarke who fed Bantick who again was too strong for the Heybridge defence and shot home for his first ever non-league hat trick and his fifth goal in four games for AFC.

Callander was fouled right out in the corner and the referee who had allowed play to go on eventually went back and booked Thomas for his indiscretion. Callander went off and Liam Wales took over as the ten men looked good value for their lead.

Swifts made a change with Barham going off and Andrews taking over and AFC made their last change with Stefano Mallardo replacing Bantick who received a good ovation for his efforts.

The visitors had a couple of efforts all of which Bowles handled comfortably as AFC saw the game out and gained three more points.

Att 166

YNOT