AFC Dunstable provided the perfect response to defeat at the weekend by going to then League leaders, Bedford Town, on Tuesday evening and coming home with a 3-0 triumph.
There is a fascinating situation developing in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central where over half of the teams are still in contention for a place in the play-offs.
“If you look at the whole League, it’s going to go down to the wire in terms of winners, play-off places and relegation,” said Callum Nicolson, who has played such a key role for AFC Dunstable this season. “I think it will go down to the team that can keep their nerve and find the best form in the run-in as a lot of teams are now are picking up momentum at the right time.
“The top six could easily look very different now compared to the end of April and as far as we are concerned, we’ll be doing everything we can to be in and around it.
“The reaction that we showed to Saturday’s loss on Tuesday evening was very pleasing. After being in good form, to lose the way we did at the weekend was not acceptable as we fell below the standards that we have set ourselves, but at Bedford we were able to show the levels we can reach.
“We know we are capable of performances like this and now we are at the business end of the season, we’ve found the perfect time to start putting in results that are statements to the rest of the League.”
Nicolson has established himself in what is a young and vibrant team.
“I’ve played a lot of games this season, which has helped me gain vital experience at this level.,” he added. “A lot of credit must go to the Gaffers James and Joe for the belief they put in me and the rest of the boys.
“They took a big risk with this project and it would be frowned upon by 99% of the clubs in the division to back young players and play the style of football which we do. I think our average age this season has been 19, which makes me one of the old-timers at 21!
“But I think we’ve consistently shown that age in football is only a number and if you’re good enough to play then you can and that’s what’s got us to where we are now.
“We’re taking things one game at a time, but we have our aspirations, which we spoke about at a team meeting a few weeks ago. If we continue to stick together and play like we have been, then we’ll give ourselves every chance of achieving our objectives.
“Personally, I want to be able to contribute with more goals and assists and maintain a high level of performance. As a footballer you want to get to this stage of the season and be involved in big games and fighting for honours.”
A home game against Welwyn Garden City awaits on Saturday.
IMAGE: AFC Dunstable
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