VIDEO: Brilliant Blues tackle rugby challenge to keep up the chase at the top

A Lee Roache brace either side of Adam Watkins’ strike propelled Dunstable Town to a 3-0 victory over Rugby Town at Creasey Park in Calor Southern League Division One Central on Saturday.

This top-of-the-table clash promised to be a close encounter, but Dunstable raced into a magnificent three-goal lead inside half an hour.

Director of football John McLoughlin said: “The first half we were outstanding we got exactly the response we asked for after a disappointing result against Ampthill.

“When you have Chris Marsh, Jonathan Barnett, Nathan Frater and Lee Roache on form no-one can get near us and with Adam Watkins and Moses Olaleye dictating the midfield Rugby ran out of ideas.

“Our defence was solid and to keep a clean sheet against the title favourites is a great achievement.

“This has put us in a great position and we have to make sure we are always at our best in the league and to be fair the boys have been on fire lately, but we have some tough games coming up and the next month is vital for our campaign.”

Dominating from the outset, all the goal threats were came from the Blues who took the lead after six minutes Roache rose unchallenged to head Danny Murphy’s corner into the top corner.

Roache then combined with Nathan Frater in a fluid move that saw midfielder Watkins perfectly placed on the edge of the area to finish convincingly on 12 minutes.

With Rugby reeling a third goal was added when keeper Jamie Head’s long clearance was adroitly flicked on to the unmarked Roache who scored his second from a difficult angle on 28 minutes.

Chris Marsh was then unfortunate not to score when his fierce shot after a fine run struck the foot of a post.

Rugby had two negligible efforts from Ellis Myles and Justin Martin, while the second half was more evenly contested with Rugby enjoying some possession.

The Valley produced some promising approach play and, although Dunstable were unable to reproduce their blistering start, they contained their visitors well to claim a thoroughly deserved victory as they regained second place in the table.

This Tuesday Dunstable host Ashford Town (Middx) and on Saturday go to Aylesbury United.

Blues: Jamie Head, Danny Hutchins, Danny Murphy, Joseph Bruce, Marc Leach, Moses Olaleye, Adam Watkins, Tony Burnett (Damen Pickering 75), Lee Roache, Nathan Frater (Leon Cashman 66), Christopher Marsh (Tony Fontanelle 83). Substitutes not used: Jerome Federico.

Valley: Niall Cooper, Ellis Myles, Craig Kelly, Mason Rowley, Alex Grudger, Sam Youngs, Lewis McBride, Josh O’Grady (Andrew Spencer), David Kolodynsky, Seb Lake-Gastin, Justin Martin. Substitutes not used: Steve Palmer, Greg Kazaboni, Mitchell Piggon, Aaron Garvey.

Referee: Gareth Viccars.

Assistant Referees: Karl Tribe and Sam Lewis.

Star Blue: Moses Olaleye.

Attendance: 215.