Blues make it three out of three with victory at Paulton

Steve Wales scored direct from a corner for Dunstable

Dunstable Town made it three straight league wins with a 2-1 triumph at basement side Paulton Rovers on Saturday to move level on points with the play-off places.

The visitors were without Adam Watkins (suspended) and Steven Gregory (injured), as they started well, with Lee Roache sending a shot inches wide.

Gary Wharton then fired into the side-netting before having another attempt blocked, with home keeper Ben John making a vital interception afterwards too.

Victor Osobu’s shot was tipped over for a corner and from which Dunstable took the lead on 42 minutes when Steve Wales’s delivery went straight into the net.

Wharton should have made it 2-0 moments later but missed a gilt-edged opportunity, while Chris Vardy’s effort was cleared.

In the second period, James Kaloczi stood firm to prevent an early equaliser, while Dunstable went close when Connor Calcutt’s shot was well saved, with Osbobu also denied by John.

Roache and Vardy also saw their attempts repelled, but the second arrived on 68 minutes when Calcutt firmly headed home a corner.

However, Paulton were back in the game two minutes later as Leon Jeanne saw his free kick fly past Paul Bastock.

That led to a greater sense of urgency by Rovers, but Blues’ defence held firm and went in search for a third as Danny Talbot almost set up Wharton, who then also was narrowly wide later.

Dunstable dominated the latter stages as their hosts were reduced to 10 men when Aaron Brown was dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Town are now in seventh position, level on points with Leamington, albeit have played three games more. This weekend, they visit Redditch United.

Paulton: Ben John, Steve Williams, Jack Allward, Alex Grimshaw (Kelvin Douglas), Josh Ford, Aaron Brown, Leon Jeanne (Solomon Wheatley), Darren Mullings, Josh Morgan-Williams (Tom Knighton), David O’Hare, Kyle Tooze.

Subs not used: Callum Hinder, Craig Allan.

Dunstable: Paul Bastock, Steve Wales, Zack Reynolds, Danny Talbot (Anthony Leslie), James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Victor Osobu, Gary Wharton, Connor Calcutt (Jemale McKenzie-Lowe), Lee Roache, Chris Vardy.

Subs not used: Anthony Fontenelle, David Keenleyside.

Referee: Andrew Turner.

Attendance: 138.