Dunstable slip to Banbury defeat

Dunstable Town were beaten by a late double at Banbury United on Saturday.

Home sub Leam Howards scored a brace to put the hosts 2-0 ahead in the final 15 minutes, before Tony Burnett replied to set up a grandstand finish.

Dunstable made one change to their side, with Luke Ruddick injured, as it was a cagey start and both defences were on top early on.

However Dunstable started to pile on the pressure with striker Christopher Marsh’s effort beating Banbury keeper Leigh Bedwell, but cannoned off the post and away.

The Puritans replied with a great effort by Jordan Green who picked up possession and after a fine run, was also denied by the woodwork.

After the break, Dunstable brought on Burnett and Gary Wharton for Elliot Bailey and Jemale McKenzie-Lowe, while tellingly, Banbury swapped Howards for Adeyinka Talabi.

Adam Watkins turned well in the Banbury box but unfortunately fired over the bar, while Gary Wharton had a volley saved and Marsh was denied when through on goal by Bedwell.

The hosts then took the lead in the 75th minute when Howard’s shot somehow beat Dunstable keeper Charlie May.

Three minutes later, the Puritans doubled their lead, with a well-taken head by Howard.

Burnett’s grabbed a late reply for Dunstable, but it wasn’t enough to spark a late revival for the visitors.

This weekend, the Blues host Frome Town.

Banbury: Leigh Bedwell, Jacob Walcott, Marvin Martin, Jack Westbrook, Carl Tappin, Tom Ryan, Jordan Green, Declan Hartigan, Adeyinka Talabi (Leam Howards), Kynan Isaac (Darius Browne), Hicham Abdellah.

Subs not used: Luke Cray, Duran Martin.

Dunstable: Charlie May, Danny May, David Lynn, Shane Blackett, Steven Gregory, Garry Jones, Adam Watkins, Charlie Henry, Jamale McKenzie-Lowe (Gary Wharton), Elliot Bailey (Tony Burnett), Christopher Marsh.

Subs not used: George Hewitt, Tony Fontanelle.

Referee: Adrian Gillett.