AFC suffered a Boxing Day defeat at the hands of league leaders Needham Market going down 2-1 in front of a crowd of 419.

With Tyler French and Rob Eagle back in the side, it was AFC who took the lead just before half-time when Sam Bantick (pictured) notched his twelfth goal of the season.

Things changed rapidly after the interval with Aidan Austin conceding a penalty knocking over ex-AFC man Luke Ingram. The spot kick was scored and a few minutes later Ryan Henshaw was sent off after committing a foul as last man making AFC's task more difficult.

The home side then scored a disputed goal with AFC certain the ball had not crossed the goal line, the officials thought differently. Manager Jamie Godbold was sent from the dugouts and Adam Tann was booked.

Marcus Garnham saved another penalty and even the introduction of the three AFC substitutes, Jordan Blackwell, Luke Callander and Liam Wales could not get the equaliser.

Full report to follow....................