Blues pick up first win by beating Arlesey

Dunstable Town picked up their first victory of pre-season with an encouraging 2-1 win over local rivals Arlesey Town on Saturday.

The visitors started well, with former Enfield Town player Alex Cathline just beaten to a long ball forward, while the impressive Zack Reynolds saw his shot fly just wide.

Reynolds went on to have an influential game, and along with Gary Wharton and Danny Talbot, they provided glimpses of the team that had been into the play-off spots in the Premier Division last season.

Talbot saw his free kick saved, while Jack Hutchinson showed plenty of good control as he looked to attack whenever possible.

With Arlesey struggling to mount any significant attacks, Hutchinson sent over a delightful cross for Wharton to fire an effort that hit the underside of the bar and flew out.

Hutchinson was proving to be a nuisance and he did not tire of attempts to force his way through into the penalty area, but it was striker Cathline who opened the scoring on 35 minutes, firing home after his first effort had smashed against the woodwork.

In the second period, the lively Wharton saw another shot saved, as Arlesey came into the game slightly more, with Blues keeper Jack Smith commanding his area from corners well.

With changes made by most sides, Dunstable had a second on 75 minutes when Adam Moussi finished off a fine passing move by shooting into the top corner.

In the final stages, Arlesey pulled one back, but Dunstable held on and will travel to SSML premier side Leighton Town tomorrow night, before hosting Conference South outfit St Albans City on Thursday.