Keenleyside nets two as Dunstable defeat Stutes

Dunstable Town returned to winning ways in style with a 4-2 win over Histon at Creasey Park on Tuesday night.

The hosts were without Adam Watkins due to injury, but Adam Pepera and Chris Vardy were back, while James Kaloczi played despite picking up a knock against Chippenham on Saturday.

Dunstable were in front after just 30 seconds too as Danny Talbot’s excellent free kick was headed home by Gary Wharton.

However, the Stutes were level on four minutes when Danny Rumens produced a smart finish, only for Dunstable to head up the other end moments later to move back in front when David Keenleyside’s corner curled straight in.

Back in the ascendancy, the Blues hunted for further goals as Connor Calcutt’s cross was met by Wharton, with visiting keeper Brendan Brown saving well.

Wharton then put a good chance wide, before the third arrived in stunning fashion as Steven Gregory sent a magnificent volley past Brown from 35 yards to make it 3-1.

Calcutt tried to replicate this a little later but was wide, with Chris Wales also sending an effort over the top and Wharton denied by Brown.

After the break, Dunstable had a fourth on 49 minutes when Keenleyside notched his second of the game, before he promptly conceded a penalty that Nick Freeman converted, making it 4-2.

The Blues then pushed for a fifth as Vardy’s strike was tipped behind by Brown, while Calcutt’s header was cleared off the line.

Sub Victor Osobu also went close late on, but Dunstable ran out comfortable winners as manager Tony Fontenelle said: “I am not saying this is our best performance but it was important that we had a win.

“Recent results have not been good, despite the fact that we have played well, so the three points were important.”

Dunstable climb to seventh in the league, just four points off the play-offs and host Bideford on Saturday.

Dunstable: Paul Bastock, David Keenleyside (Jemale McKenzie-Lowe 90), Zack Reynolds, Danny Talbot, James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Steve Wales, Gary Wharton (Lee Roache 86), Connor Calcutt, Steven Gregory, Chris Vardy (Victor Osobu 74).

Unused sub: Adam Watkins.

Histon: Brendan Brown, Luke Trotman, Miles Smith, Evan Key, Jack Uttridge, Danny Rumens, Nick Freeman, Lewis Clayton, Josh Oyinson, Sam Ives, Curtis Felcher (Harry Norman).

Subs not used: Joe Carden, Luke Brown, Dovydais Karys, Michael King.

Referee: Sam Lewis.

Attendance: 116.