New signings help Dunstable to first away victory

Dunstable Town secured their first away win in the league this season with an excellent 3-1 triumph at Merthyr Town on Saturday.

The visitors fielded two new signings as Wealdstone striker Connor Calcutt netted on his debut, while forward Chris Vardy, joining from Tring Athletic, was named on the bench.

Merthyr started well with chances for Elliott Scotcher and Corey Jenkins, before they took the lead on 17 minutes when from a well-executed free-kick, Cortez Belle found the bottom right corner with a low drive.

Instead of inspiring the hosts, it rejuvenated Dunstable who were level within minutes, again from a set piece as David Keenleyside’s corner was bundled over the line by James Kaloczi.

The equaliser allowed the visitors to play with real assurance as Victor Osobu’s cross was parried by Tom Bradley, although Paul Bastock had to be alert to save from Jenkins.

A smart move from Danny Talbot picked out new boy Calcutt whose effort cleared the bar, but he was on target on the stroke of half time, converting a rebound after Luke Pennell was denied by the woodwork.

In the second period, there was some initial pressure from the Martyrs, as Belle, Jenkins and Brown combined in a flowing move but the latter’s shot was an anti-climax.

Adam Pepera was replaced by Gary Wharton, while Dunstable almost had a third when Keenleyside’s free kick drew a magnificent save from Bradley and Osobu could only put the follow up into the side-netting.

The Blues almost conceded a penalty when the linesman appeared to flag for an offence in the area, only to be over-ruled by the referee.

Not looking to sit on their lead, the irrepressible Osobu set up Calcutt but again Bradley made an important save, while Vardy came on for his Dunstable bow, as Osobu made way.

The sub’s first action was to cross for Adam Watkins, as Bradley proved equal to his header.

Vardy was then off target, while Lee Roache replaced Calcutt and as Merthy won a late corner, they sent keeper Bradley up to add his height to the attack.

However, Dunstable cleared to the half-way line and Gary Wharton beat everyone for pace before slotting into the empty net from some distance.

The result saw the Blues climb to 18th in the table and are at home to St Neots Town this evening.

Merthyr: Tom Bradley, Adam Davies, Chris Hugh, Ashley Evans, Jarrad Wright, Cortez Belle, Jaye Bowen, Elliott Scotcher, Jon Brown, Guillermo Bauza, Corey Jenkins.

Subs used: Ian Traylor, James Bloom. Subs not used: Jordan Chappelle, Dan Summerfield, Ryan Prosser.

Dunstable: Paul Bastock, Zack Reynolds, Luke Pennell, Danny Talbot, James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera (Gary Wharton), Adam Watkins, David Keenleyside, Connor Calcutt (Lee Roache), Steven Gregory, Victor Osobu (Chris Vardy).

Subs not used: Ryan Plowright.

Attendance: 290.