Blues humbled by lowly Bletchley in cup shock

DUNSTABLE Town paid the price for selecting a weakened side as they were humbled 3-2 by lower division Bletchley Town in the third round of the Molten Spartan SML Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

The Blues had done well to get to this round but faced a buoyant Bletchley side who had seen off Premier Division leaders Royston Town in the last round.

An eager start by both teams saw them both net inside the first 10 minutes.

Ricky Stimpson opened the scoring for the visitors after nine minutes, but Dunstable replied immediately through Craig Henney’s equaliser.

Dunstable looked a good deal more settled and secured a half time lead when Matthew Judge put them ahead on 38 minutes.

However, Town seemed to ignore reserve manager Andy Duncan’s half time instruction of playing the ball to feet as they plumped for a predictable long ball game.

Bletchley dominated the half and deserved their win as they netted twice in a matter of minutes.

They equalised through Wayne Bell and the goal of the game came via Will Smith’s sparkling shot.

The visitors had substitute James Cain sent off for an industrial challenge but they coped well in his absence.

Dunstable failed to look like scoring to force extra-time and, although this game was low on the list of Town’s priorities, they would have wanted a more committed performance.

On Saturday the Blues claimed an important 2-0 Premier Division victory at second-placed Leverstock Green through a brace of Lee Roache headers.

This Saturday they entertain Tring Athletic in the league and on Tuesday, Town are at home to Broxbourne Borough.