Dunstable hit four past Harefield to stay top

DUNSTABLE Town remained on top of the Molten Spartan SML Premier Division with a 4-1 win at Harefield United on Tuesday night.

The victory was essential for Blues as title challengers Royston Town also won 4-1 at Haringey, meaning Dunstable are still two points clear, having played a game more.

Town had the ball in the net six times in this exhilarating performance at Preston Park, but two were ruled out for marginal off-side decision.

Former Dunstable boss Darren Feighery had been manager of the Hares until resigning last week, but he would have been impressed with the style and verve of the Blues, who were ahead after 12 minutes when Craig Henney netted from close range.

Henney was combining well with Nathan Frater and Peter Holmes thought he had made it 2-0, but his goal was chalked off by the linesman.

After 29 minutes of domination, Holmes’ corner was superbly met by Frater for the second.

Blues found the net again before half time, when George Brinkman scored, but it was also ruled out for offside.

In the second period, the third goal arrived when a Peter Holmes free kick was parried by keeper Ben Goode, but Lee Roache knocked in the rebound.

The Hares were handed some consolation when Nick Leach conceded a penalty, which was converted by Lee MacManus, as Garry Duncan managed to get a hand to the ball, but couldn’t prevent it from going in.

Frater bagged his second goal after 82 minutes with a fine effort as he collected a clearance and bore down on goal before firing low into the net.

The result was Dunstable’s fifth successive win, with three of those away from home.

At the weekend, Blues were 2-1 winners at Hillingdon Borough.

The visitors, who were forced to play striker Brinkman in goal, scored through Nick Jackson and Henney.

Blues host Colney Heath on Tuesday.