Frendo inspires Dunstable to Bedworth victory

Dunstable Town got back to winning ways at struggling Bedworth United on Saturday thanks to Adam Watkins’ late winner.

The Blues were handed a huge boost in the week with the signing of experienced and prolific striker John Frendo from Hemel Hempstead, and he was to provide the assists for both goals after coming off the bench in the second half.

Chris Vardy replacing Luke Pennell who was on the bench nursing a slight injury, as the visitors made a promising start, with Steve Gregory heading David Keenleyside’s cross straight at Greenbacks keeper Denham Hinds.

Gregory was then off target with another attempt, while Keenleyside’s effort was tipped over the bar by Hinds, with the keeper also saving well from Vardy too.

Zack Reynolds combined well with Connor Calcutt who shot wide, as Dunstable keeper Paul Bastock was called into action from Justin Marsden’s effort.

In the second period, Steve Wales began imposing himself on proceedings, while a fine move involving Keenleyside, Victor Osobu and Vardy saw Hinds save for a corner.

Reynolds was then inches wide, while the introduction of Frendo for Vardy saw the visitors in front as his first touch enabled Wales to open his Dunstable account with a well-taken goal on 62 minutes.

Buoyed by the lead, Dunstable looked for a second as Calcutt saw his bullet header ruled out for offside, although Bastock needed to be alert, denying Lewis Chester.

Bedworth were level with 10 minutes to play though as Jordan Archer headed past Bastock, but Dunstable were quickly on the attack once more.

They had what turned out to be the winner two minutes later as Frendo found Watkins whose superb shot gave Hinds little chance.

The result pushed Dunstable up to eighth in the table, just four points off the play-off places as they travel to Biggleswade Town on Tuesday night.

Bedworth: Denham Hinds, Jamie Ashmore, Luke Rowe, Andy Westwood, Richard Bryan, Nathan Haines (Kyle Cartwright), Lewis Chester, Justin Marsden, Aron Wint (Marlon Walters), Jordan Archer, Craig Kelly.

Subs not used: Chris Tullin, Chad Degville-Cross, Eddie Appleton.

Dunstable: Paul Bastock, Zack Reynolds, Chris Vardy (John Frendo), Steven Gregory, James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Adam Watkins, David Keenleyside (Danny Talbot), Connor Calcutt, Steven Wales, Victor Osobu (Lee Roache).

Subs not used: Gary Wharton, Luke Pennell.

Referee: Neil Pratt.

Attendance: 177.