Poor form continues as Dunstable lose to Paulton

Dunstable Town’s patchy form continued as they slipped to a fifth defeat in seven matches, due to a last-minute goal for visitors Paulton Rovers at the weekend.

The hosts were without the influential Danny Talbot but David Keenleyside returned to action following his suspension, and Lee Roache was back on the bench too.

An early slip from Keenleyside saw Darren Mullings fluff his lines, lobbing over, while a fairly forgettable first half saw Connor Calcutt’s effort blocked.

Dunstable had to make an early change, with Gary Wharton on for Steve Wales, and it was the substitute to forced keeper Ben John into a fine save, with Keenleyside’s free kick hitting the defensive wall.

The Blues then improved as Zack Reynolds hit the bar, before the opening goal arrived on the stroke of half time as skipper James Kaloczi finished well from inside the box.

After the break, Paulton, who are struggling at the wrong end of the table, came close through Steve Williams’ header that Jamie Head saved at the second attempt.

Calcutt then took Jonathan Edwards’ pass and saw his attempt saved, as on the hour mark, Rovers were level when Kaloczi missed his clearance, allowing Jake Mawford to nip in and score.

Roache and Chris Vardy came on for Dunstable, but it was Paulton who won it in stoppage time, Mawford racing through to beat Head and celebrate wildly.

The result saw the Creasey Park side fall 11 points behind the play-offs with just nine games to go.

They travel to Hungerford on Saturday and then host Chesham United on Monday.

Dunstable: Jamie Head, Howard Hall, Zack Reynolds, David Longe-King, James Kaloczi, Adam Pepera, Adam Watkins, Steven Wales (Gary Wharton), Connor Calcutt (Lee Roache), Jonathan Edwards, David Keenleyside (Chris Vardy).

Subs not used: Mark Reilly, Tony Fontenelle.