Dunstable Town’s title aspirations suffer big blow with late Egham defeat

Nine-man Dunstable Town lost top spot in Calor Southern League Division One Central on Saturday as a late goal saw Egham Town triumph 1-0 at Creasey Park.

Maurice Harkin lobbed home a deflected winner with seven minutes to go, while nearest rival Rugby Town thrashed Royston Town 6-1 to leapfrog the Blues at the top.

It was another big blow to Town’s title aspirations following their midweek 2-0 defeat at Barton Rovers.

Director of football John McLoughlin said: “What a difference a week makes, two defeats in a row but we always knew we would hit a blip, but we don’t need to panic.

“We always knew February was our toughest month, but we need to be more disciplined and more focused on the job in hand. I have no doubt that we will get back to winning ways and keep our campaign alive.”

Inhospitable weather conditions meant chances were few and far between.

First half chances for the hosts fell to Tony Burnett and Adam Watkins, with Josh Andrews and Ashley Crossley threatening for the visitors.

A dour second half replicated the first as nine played were cautioned and four dismissed in an indisciplined encounter.

Star striker Lee Roache was sent off for a two-footed challenge, followed by substitute Danny Ryan for serious foul play.

This was followed by Egham’s Kyle Anthony for two cautions and Dunstable player/coach Tony Fontanelle for dissent.

The game seemed destined for a forgettable 0-0 draw, but with seven minutes Harkin’s speculative lob looped over Jamie Head for the decisive goal.

Barton Rovers’ home game with Marlow was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

This Tuesday Barton host in-form Beaconsfield SYCOB and Dunstable go to Potters Bar Town, on Saturday

Rovers head to Egham Town and Dunstable go to Marlow, while on Tuesday week Rovers visit Uxbridge.

Blues: Jamie Head, Danny Hutchins, Danny Murphy, Marc Leach, Joseph Bruce, Moses Olaleye (C), Adam Watkins, Tony Burnett, Lee Roache, Terry Dixon, BJ Christie. Substitutes used: Leon Cashman, Christopher Marsh, Danny Ryan. Substitutes not used: Tony Fontanelle, Taishan Griffith.

Sarnies: Jamie Norris, Luke Muldowney (C), Ryan Lake, Kyle Anthony, Aaron Taylor-Ives, Maurice Harkin, Joshua Andrews, Joe Chanderham, Reis Stanislaus, Calvin Thomas, Andy Crossley. Substitutes: Brendon Matthew, Richard Byrne, Nathan Busilli, Louis Joesph Chandler.

Bookings: Hutchins; Watkins; Cashman; Christie; Lake; Harkin; Stanislaus.

Sent Off: Roache; Ryan; Fontanelle; Anthony.

Referee: James Whittaker Jr (Harlow).

Assistant Referees: Simon Maynard (Reading) and James Vallance (Reading).

Star Blue: Marc Leach.

Attendance: 133.