FA CUP: Talbot double sends Dunstable through

Action from Dunstable Town's 2-0 win over Kingstonian

Dunstable Town made it through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup after Danny Talbot’s double was enough to defeat Ryman Premier Division side Kingstonian on Saturday.

The Blues picked up £4,500 in prize money too and now await the draw for the next stage, taking place this afternoon.

Dunstable were without the cup-tied Victor Osobu, but Adam Pepera came in for his debut, while Lee Roache was named on the bench.

Both teams fought out a closely-matched opening period as Dunstable came close when Steven Gregory combined with Matt Nolan, while Jemale McKenzie-Lowe sent a shot wide.

Home keeper Paul Bastock then saved from Sam Page, before stopper also denied Dan Sweeney, while Page then headed another chance wide.

Dunstable thought they had the lead before the break when David Keenleyside’s free kick was parried by Rob Tolfrey into the path of Gregory who slotted home, but the flag was raised for offside.

In the second period, the hosts upped their tempo with Adam Watkins and Talbot to the fore, with James Kaloczi and Pepera keeping it solid at the back.

On 53 minutes, the Blues were in front too as Nolan’s inviting cross was calmly converted by Talbot.

Nolan almost had a second, as Dylan Casey cleared off the line, while Watkins sent in two excellent shots that Tolfrey did well to repel.

The K’s almost had a leveller as Dan Bennett’s effort was deflected behind for a corner as Blues went back up the other end, Luke Pennell cannoning a drive against the underside of the bar.

With 15 minutes to go, Dunstable had breathing space though when Talbot cheekily nutmegged Tolfrey to make it 2-0.

Watkins came close to a third, while McKenzie-Lowe dragged wide, but it mattered not as the hosts progressed.

The Blues now host Kettering Town in the league on Tuesday night.

Dunstable Town: Paul Bastock, Zack Reynolds, Luke Pennell (Ryan Plowright), Danny Talbot, James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Adam Watkins, David Keenleyside, Matt Nolan (Lee Roache), Steven Gregory, Jemale McKenzie-Lowe.

Subs not used: Mark Reilly, Lorenzo Ferrari, Anthony Leslie, Alex Dixon, Bart Pedrycz.

Kingstonian: Rob Tolfrey, Dylan Casey, George Wells, Ty Smith, Sam Page, Alan Inns, Dan Bennett, Dan Sweeney, Jake Kempton, Harold Odametey, Peter Dean.

Subs used: Malachi Hudson, Elvis Hammond. Subs not used: Max Hustwick, Ricky Sappleton.

Attendance: 173.