Relief for Ayres as Flackwell Heath finally find form to halt losing streak

Paul Shone and Chris Ayres.

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After four successive league defeats - and five straight losses in all competitions - Flackwell Heath finally got back to winning ways away to AFC Dunstable on Saturday afternoon.

Chris Ayres’ side had been suffering from a prolonged FA Cup exit hangover over the past couple of weeks - and a likely crisis in confidence - as they stumbled to defeat after defeat.

Biggleswade, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford Town and Thame United all got the better of them in the Southern League Central Division - with the Heathens having been unbeaten in the league prior to their loss at Biggleswade.

Those results sent the side spinning into the bottom half of the table, but the recovery mission started in earnest on Saturday with a relatively straightforward 2-0 victory at Dunstable, who have now dropped into the division’s relegation zone.

Juwon Akintunde (31') scored his first goal for the club just after the half-hour mark and Charlie Bacon’s penalty in the 86th minute confirmed the points would be going the Heathens’ way. It was Bacon’s second in as many games after he scored in Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Thame United.

The result lifts Flackwell to 14th, not where they want or expect to be this season, but a step in the right direction as they look to get themselves back among the play-off contenders. Next up for Ayres’ side, a tough home game against leaders Leighton Town at Wilks Park tomorrow night (Tuesday, November 4), but also a good chance for them to deliver the kind of statement league win which could revive their aspirations.

Manager Chris Ayres spoke to club media after the game: “I think relieved is a good word to use. Pleased to get back to winning ways, for the group and everyone at the club because it’s been a difficult month.

“Not winning games of football but getting the win today is a small bit towards getting back on track. Hopefully, this will be us now getting back on track, but we’re happy to get the three points.

“Getting three points will bring confidence back to the players. We’ll be up for the challenge. Every game in this league is a challenge. Leighton won 1-0 at Stotfold today. It’s going to be a real big, tough ask for us, but now that we’ve had the win, hopefully we’ll go into the game with more confidence and more freedom to try and play.

“Juwon scoring his first goal for us. He worked hard for it, and it was unselfishly laid off to him and then Charlie getting the penalty to wrap it up sealed the game really.”