Cathline bags the winner as Blues beat Banbury

Dunstable Town earned a fine 1-0 victory over previous leaders Banbury United on Tuesday evening.

The visitors had won all three of their previous league games, but couldn’t break through what was a stubborn Blues defence.

To honour the memory of Dunstable Town youth team player Ethan Houghton, who died in a road traffic accident, a minute’s silence was observed and this will be followed on Saturday’s game with a further ceremony, with, hopefully all the youth teams present to remember Ethan and the others who lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.

As a further mark of respect, the reserve game at Godalming Town, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed so Simon Reilly and his team may be present.

Dunstable were without David Longe-King, who was suspended and also David Keenleyside, who was unavailable, while keeper Jamie Head was injured in the warm-up as Jack Smith came in.

Adam Moussi and Zack Reynolds returned too, as Shane Bush and Joe Debayo were on the bench.

Dunstable started confidently, with Danny Green forcing a notable save from Jack Harding, while Jack Hutchinson and Wilson Ferreira combined in a decent move, providing Alex Cathline with a chance, but his shot was blocked.

The Blues were rewarded for their efforts in the 21st minutes too as Hutchinson’s cross was finished with aplomb by Cathline.

Cathline had another attempt block, while from Danny Talbot’s corner, Adam Pepera headed wide, although after the break, keeper Smith was called into action making a fine stop to preserve his side’s lead, as Dunstable’s defence stood firm.

The Blues weathered Banbury’s incessant pressure and came close to extending their lead too, Cathline going close after a move involving Green and Hutchinson.

Dunstable host Chesham United this afternoon.

Dunstable: Jack Smith, Zack Reynolds, Jhai Dillon, Danny Talbot (Aston Grant), John Sonuga, Adam Pepera, captain, Wilson Ferreira (Taishan Griffith), Danny Green, Alex Cathline, Adam Moussi, Jack Hutchinson.

Subs not used: Joe Debayo, Shane Bush.