VIDEO: Dunstable drop points as they’re held to derby draw by Leighton Town

Below-par Dunstable dropped two valuable points in their quest for the Calor Southern League Division One Central title as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leighton Town in a Bedfordshire derby last night.

The Blues twice led through goals from new signing Terry Dixon (36 and 73) and probably did enough to win the game, but were twice pegged back by Enzo Silvestre (59) and substitute Jack Downes (78) who capitalised on a late defensive error to earn the battling Reds a point.

Dunstable had the lion’s share of the attacking play and ought to have taken the lead quite early in the first half when Tony Burnett picked out Adam Watkins perfect pass, but the midfielder rushed his shot as his effort cleared the bar.

But the Blues did take the lead on 36 minutes when Danny Hutchins’ corner was met with a sound header from Dixon for his first Dunstable goal.

Although the hosts were worth their lead, they met some stern resistance from Leighton who snatched an equaliser via former Blue Silvestri, whose cross from the right deceived Jamie Head in the Town goal on the hour mark.

This inspired Leighton, who matched their hosts blow for blow, but Dunstable appeared to have won the game when Hutchins’ shot from range took a deflection off Dixon as it eluded Matt Griggs.

But just a few minutes later, Dunstable’s Leon Cashman, under no pressure, lost possession in midfield and substitute Downes fired in a speculative shot that was unaccountably left by Head, who looked on in horror as the ball his the post and went in.

The last part of the match was played at a relentless pace and either side could have won it, but the points were ultimately shared as Dunstable unexpectedly dropped two home points.

Town go to Potters Bar Town on Saturday.

Blues: Jamie Head, Danny Hutchins, Leon Cashman, Joseph Bruce, Danny Ryan, Moses Olaleye (C), Adam Watkins, Tony Burnett (Taishan Griffith 80), Bernard Christie (Nathan Frater 62, Byron Bubb 81), Terry Dixon, Christopher Marsh. Substitutes not used: Tony Fontanelle, Danny Murphy.

Reds: Matt Griggs, Grant Fryer, Jake Bewley, Warren Plowright, Sam Chapman (C), Ryan Plowright, Ben Gallant, Shane Bush, Gareth Chendlik, Enzo Silvestre, Dom Marsala. Substitutes used: Jack Downes, Sean Bishop, Kristian Sephens. Substitutes not used: Craig Maisin, Bradley Kirkwood.

Referee: Richard Kendall.

Assistant Referees: Simon Parbery and Sam Lewis.

Attendance: 125.

Star Blue: Danny Hutchins.