Dunstable pay for missed chances in Saints defeat

Dunstable Town suffered their first Southern League Premier Division defeat in seven games, losing 1-0 at St Neots on Tuesday night.

The visitors were back to full strength with the return of Steven Gregory and David Keenleyside, as they started well, with Adam Watkins’ cross cleared away.

Keenleyside had a shot fly inches wide, while Connor Calcutt seized the attacking initiative as Victor Osobu went for goal, with Danny Talbot better placed for a pass.

Talbot fired wide, before against the run of play, St Neots went ahead seven minutes before the break through Tom Meechan’s angled drive.

Luke Pennell put an excellent chance wide as Blues trailed at the break.

In the second half, Ryan Hawkins’ effort was saved by Paul Bastock, before Talbot’s delivery was grabbed by Andy Wilton before it reached Calcutt.

Keenleyside had another attempt saw, whiule Saints came close to a second when Luton Town loanee Isaac Galliford sprinted away, only to be halted by a magnificent tackle from Adam Pepera.

Talbot was inches wide with another drive, before new signing Steve Wales came on for his debut.

Pennell should have levelled the score, but missed a glorious chance, while ex-Dunstable defender Shane Blackett made another crucial intervention.

However, Blues were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes when Pepera picked up his second yellow card for bringing down Hawkins just outside the area.

Gary Wharton and Lee Roache were introduced while Pennell then headed wide when it appeared easier to score.

St Neots held on for victory though as Dunstable slipped to 15th in a heavily congested table, as they are just six points off the play-offs and only four above the drop zone.

This weekend, they host league leaders Poole Town, while on Saturday.

Dunstable: Paul Bastock, captain, Zack Reynolds, Luke Pennell, Danny Talbot (Steve Wales), James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Adam Watkins, David Keenleyside (Gary Wharton), Connor Calcutt, Steven Gregory, Victor Osobu, (Lee Roache).

Subs not used: Chris Vardy, Jemale McKenzie-Lowe.