SEASON 2006/07
05 Aug 2008

Dunstable Lions FC was founded in June 2006 by Gareth Fear, Matthew Bottom, Michael Pazik, David Hill & Danny Nutkins.

Eddie Fear was appointed manager and the team started pre-season in August '06 at the club's training ground Mentmore Cresent. The team entered local Luton Sunday league - THE BARKET SUPER LEAGUE.

Lions played in a pre-season tournament a week prior to their first competitive game. A loss, two draws and a victory was not enough to see the team through the group stages but it was the first taster of what was to come in the upcoming season. Martin Blackler, a casual Lions player, who would only be available for a handful of matches during 2006/07 scored the first ever Lions goal with a low shot after being sent clean through on goal.

Sunday 3rd September 2006 was the day Lions played their first ever competitve match. Missing goalkeeper Gareth Fear, Lions brought in Steven Homes for his first and last appearance in a Lions shirt. The team started well against a very strong Melson Arms side who were being tipped as Championship contenders, according to many Luton Sunday League experts. Lions took the lead through a Matt Bottom penalty but were soon pegged back by Melson. Blackler carried on his good form by sending Lions into the lead midway through the second half - but the fairytale wasn't to be as two late goals from Melson ended Lions hopes of a dream start to the season.

The next game saw another tough test with AC Cardoza travelling to Kingsbury Park. The game ended 4-1 to Cardoza - Chris Hosey with the consolation goal for Lions.

Lions first victory came in their thrid game and it came in style. 13-1 against Luton Leagrave in the first round of the League Cup is still the teams highest scoreline to date. Marcantonio, Ridgeway, Knightley and Bottom amongst the scorers.

Two more wins followed and the confidence within the team started to grow. A disappointing result against Wheelwrights was the only loss in a 10 game run which included 7 wins between the months of September and November. In those games were thrillers such as the 6-6 draw with AC Cardoza, 3-2 League Cup Quarter Final victory vs Melson Arms and the well battled 1-1 draw with Dunstable Town.

With the team doing well in the league and still in both cups - Lions players felt there was silverware to be won. A County Cup victory - a 5-2 win against Leighton Wanderers in December kept hopes alive. Danny Nutkins finishing the route with a volley from just inside the box.

The 8-3 victory against Melson Arms early in 2007 sent out a major statement to the rest of the teams in the Barket Super League. Christian Rolando used as a makeshift striker on the day bagging 4 goals.

January saw the first major disappointment of the season when Lions crashed out of the County Cup on Penalties. After drawing 2-2 with Lewsey St.Martins after extra time - missed pens from Pazik, Marcantonio and Nutkins saw Lions lose their first ever Cup game.

Three straight wins in the league then followed and confidence was high when Lions met Houghton Revolution in the Semi Final of the League Cup. Lions won the game 4-3 with sub Simon Ridgeway scoring two vital goals for the men in Blue.

22nd April 2007 was a big day in Dunstable Lions history. Lions faced AC Cardoza in the League Cup Final at Barton - a team who the Lions were yet to beat this season after two attempts.

After a magnificent effort from all the players and fans, Lions came out on top winning the game 2-0 - goals from Craig Knightley and the head of Michael Pazik sealing the victory. A vital penalty save from Gareth Fear in the 80th minute making sure there was no comeback on the cards for Cardoza.

The team then ended the season on a high with a great comeback against Stopsley Common in early May. Dave Hill volleying home the last minute equaliser.

Two more wins at USL and Wheelwrights ended the season for Lions with the team finishing in a very respectful 6th place in a very tough league.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON: DAVID HILL

MANAGER'S PLAYER OF THE SEASON: MICHAEL PAZIK

LEADING GOALSCORER: CARL MARCANTONIO (37)