The re-introduction of two key defenders was a major factor in Dunstable Town's resurgent 4-0 home win over Arlesey Town in BGB Southern League Division One Midlands on Saturday.

That is the view of Blues manager Lee Cowley after his side cantered to victory thanks to a brace in each half for Darell Elliott and substitute Krzysztof Matyszkiewicz.

But Cowley reckons it was his side's determined defending that ultimately earned them a much-needed three points.

He said: "We did well and I guess it was just what the doctor ordered after the past two games.

"Jack Nelly and Matt Baldry played in the centre of defence for us and that made a massive difference in what we did and gave us a good foundation to defend properly and, as the game went on, we started to pass it and play better football. What was also good from a manger's point of view, was that the lads who were left out came on and responded in the right way."

The win moves Dunstable on to 11 points and three clear of neighbours Barton Rovers, who themselves slipped to a 4-1 defeat at runaway leaders Leamington at the weekend.

It all began so well for Rovers, who took the lead on 22 minutes when Ryan Robb's cross was headed down by Ashley Harewood into the path of Alex O'Brien, who hit a scorching shot from 20 yards into the net.

But their lead didn't last long as Jai Stanley equalised for Leamington seven minutes before the break, before hitman Mark Bellingham's second-half hat-trick ended any hopes the visitors had of earning themselves a result.

Reflecting on the result, Barton boss Gary Fitzgerald said: "We started brightly, scored a fantastic goal and if you were a neutral watching that match, you wouldn't have known who were at the top of the league and who were struggling down at the bottom.

"Credit to the lads because they never gave up but once again, the goals we conceded were bad from our point of view.

"You can see the signs are there for us to improve but, unfortunately, a side like Leamington are going to expose the defensive frailties and weaknesses we've shown of late."

Only goal difference is keeping Rovers above the relegation zone and means their clash with Rothwell Town at Sharpenhoe Road on Saturday is a must-win, kick-off 3pm.

Blues were scheduled to be back in action at Chesham United last night but are without a fixture at the weekend.