Blues hold on for a win in bruising encounter

YELLOW cards flew as Dunstable Town held on to triumph 3-2 at Colney Heath in the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division on Tuesday night.

In an overtly physical encounter Dunstable won their third successive away match against an aggressive Colney side who had no fewer than five players cautioned to Dunstable’s two.

A startling beginning saw keeper Paul Taylor turn Ian Cooper’s effort on to the underside of the bar in the very first minute.

Cooper sent his follow-up over the bar before the Blues took the lead two minutes later with their first meaningful attack.

Jonathan Cooper received a looping cross from Nick Jackson and fired home into the top right-hand corner.

Colney’s intimidatory style made it difficult for referee Christopher Reid, but Dunstable kept their discipline and still managed to play some good football.

Dunstable doubled their advantage when skipper Mark Boyce set them on their way and a high cross was smartly brought down by Dean Brennan who finished well.

And Town made it 3-0 four minutes before the interval when Peter Holmes’ free-kick from just outside the area found the net.

Heath laid siege to Town after the break as Dunstable made changes after a bruising first period.

The hosts clawed a goal back when Jack Coombs’ effort trickled inside Taylor’s near post.

This inspired the home side and Steven Dogbe gave away a fifth penalty in three games for Dunstable and home talisman Ian Cooper converted. Both sides had chances in the last 10 minutes, but Dunstable held on for victory.

On Saturday Dunstable triumphed 4-2 at Oxhey Jets with goals from Jonathan Cooper, Matthew Judge, Nathan Frater and Damen Pickering.

Dunstable hope to have an entirely fit squad for the visit of Bethnal Green United in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

It’s their first game at the redeveloped Creasey Park and kicks off at 3pm.

Then on Tuesday Blues are due to host Berkhamsted in an important league game.