Dunstable hammer five past Bluebirds

Dunstable Town were handsome 5-1 winners over Chippenham Town in their Southern Premier Division clash on Saturday.

The visitors had gone close early on through Jordan Roberts, but Blues were soon into their stride, with Gary Mulligan glancing wide.

Scott Davies was off target from a free kick, but Dunstable led on 17 minutes when Chris Marsh, David Hutton, Mulligan and Steven Gregory combined for Ben Herd to cross for Marsh who converted.

It was 2-0 just before the half hour mark as Davies’ ball found Hutton and he finished accurately.

Dunstable had a third moments before the break, when Charlie Henry raced away to score.

In the second period, Chippenham forced successive corners that came to nothing, as the Blues kept on attacking.

They extended their lead even further when the visitors lost possession and Marsh fired beyond Kent Kaupinnen.

Chippenham did manage a consolation on 67 minutes though when sub Toby Osman lobbed home.

However, a fifth was soon on it was when Adam Watkins arrowed home a left-footed strike.

Chippenham didn’t give up though as Luke Ballinger was denied by Luke Chambers.

Watkins came close to a second through Watkins, as they remained five points behind Poole Town, who saw off struggling Arlesey Town.

Blues boss Darren Croft said: “Once we matched their work rate, we took effective control and our quality told throughout the game.

“Although I was a bit upset at conceding a goal, we were worthy winners.”

A philosophical Chippenham boss Mark Collier added: “We came against a good side that played the game the right way.

“We had a good opening but the game lasts 90 minutes. It is hard to take but we will take it on the chin and be better for it.”

Dunstable are in FA Cup second round qualifying action this week when they travel to Conference South side Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dunstable: Luke Chambers, Ben Herd, captain, (Adam Watkins, 62), Ryan Plowright, Nick Beasant, (Shane Blackett), Anthony Charles, Scott Davies, Steven Gregory, Charlie Henry, Gary Mulligan, (Elliott Sandy), David Hutton, Christopher Marsh.

Subs not used: Terry Dixon, Jamale McKenzie-Lowe.

Chippenham: Kent Kaupinnen, Connor McCormack, (Toby Osman 46), John Beeden, Bryan Smith, Greg Tindle, Mark Preece, Alex Ferguson, (Omar Simpson), Jordan Roberts, Darren Edwards (Luke Ballinger).

Subs not used: Callum Wright, Matt Jones.

Referee: Adam Crysell.

Attendance: 128.

Star Man: Chris Marsh.