Dunstable dig deep to see off Saints to stay top

A late winner from BJ Christie earned Calor Southern League Division One Central leaders Dunstable Town a 2-1 victory over Chalfont St Peter on Saturday.

Lee Roache had given the Blues the perfect start with a first minute opener, before Hallam levelled on 26 minutes.

However, Christie netted with 11 minutes to go to earn Dunstable a valuable victory.

But it was a far from a fortuitous day for the Blues who lost Nathan Frater to a serious injury and had top marksman Roache sent off for a second caution.

The match started well for Dunstable as they took the lead after just 55 seconds when Danny Hutchins’ corner was deftly back-headed into the net by Roache.

But this seemed to inspire the visitors who dominated play and deservedly drew level after 26 minutes when a free-kick was headed home by Fabia Hallan.

Dunstable couldn’t find any rhythm and must have been glad to go into the interval level.

The Blues improved after the break, but found Saints’ defence difficult to break down, and they were soon a man down when Roache, already booked for simulation, was sent off for a second caution.

Dunstable had a golden chance when Frater eluded the offside trap and had just the keeper to beat, but he inexplicably put the ball wide.

Chalfont were unable to exploit their numerical advantage and their best effort came from a Scott Fitzgerald free-kick that grazed the bar.

And Dunstable regained the lead on 79 minutes when Leon Cashman lob forward found the unmarked Christie, who was able to pick his spot.

With Frater stretchered off with a ligament injury, Dunstable defended in numbers as Saints surged forward for the point they really deserved.

Stefan Bailey’s clearance on the six-yard line brought appeals for a penalty, but these were dismissed as Town saw out the 10 minutes of injury time to prevail.

On New Year’s Day they entertain Leighton Town and on Saturday head to Beaconsfield SYCOB.

Meanwhile, the game between Barton Rovers and Beaconsfield SYCOB was postponed and they go to Uxbridge this weekend.

Blues: Jamie Head, Danny Hutchins, Danny Murphy, Joseph Bruce, Lean Cashman, Moses Olaleye (C), Adam Watkins, Tony Burnett (BJ Christie 62), Lee Roache, Nathan Frater (Taishan Griffith 89), Christopher Marsh (Stefan Bailey 69). Substitutes not used: Tony Fontanelle, Harrison Carr.

Saints: Michael Power-Simpson, Terrell Lewis, Rowayne Marsh-Brown, Gareth Paxton, Fabia Hallam, Alex Paine, Evandro Delgado, Alan Hedley (C), Leon Osei, Scott Fitzgerald, Asen Valchev. Substitutes not used: Tayo Coker, Chris Christie, Anthony Lennon, Danilson Vicente, Romaine Walker.

Referee: Simon Leaf.

Assistant Referees: Ian Lowe and Stuart Pater.

Attendance: 111.

Star Blue: Lean Cashman.