Mead’s stunner earns Dunstable Town victory at Potton United

​Dunstable Town showed true grit and determination to end their three game SSML Premier Division losing run and beat in-form Potton United 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a superb Harrison Mead goal.

The hosts were on a seven match unbeaten sequence in the league as well as progressing in the FA Vase, but Town showed just what they can be capable of with a fine display. Manager Steve O'Reilly made a few changes to the starting line-up, Alex Desmond returning in goal, new signing Archie McClelland starting upfront and Jamie Ovington slotting in at centre back after suspension.

Mamadou Diallo, signed from Baldock Town, was on the bench as the Blues began well, Kodi Briggs hitting the post inside a minute. McClelland headed straight at James Hoskins in the United goal before Jesse Armoo shot narrowly wide at the other end. Former Dunstable man Tolu Ikiyinminu's cross deceived Desmond in the 17th minute, striking the far post before falling into the grateful arms of the Town keeper.

Midway through the half, Jordan Brown shot wide for Potton, before O’Reilly’s side led on 29 minutes, Lewis Smith’s free kick met by Ovington for Luka Lodder to volley home. Town’s advantage was short-lived though, Desmond harshly adjudged to have pushed a United forward in the back when a corner came in to concede a soft penalty that Brown converted with ease just 60 seconds later.

Potton should have taken the lead only for Desmond to save well from Brown, while just before the break, Lodder volleyed straight at Hoskins and then United’s Mike Evans was sin-binned for dissent. In the second period, Desmond did well to prevent Brown from making it 2-1, as Armoo was given two yellow cards having already been substituted, before Dunstable retook the lead six minutes later with a stunning goal, Mead curling into the top corner from 25 yards.

With five minutes remaining, Diallo had a good opportunity to kill the game, but scuffed his shot wide as Potton's frustrations continued to show when Cole Butler also picked up two yellow cards inside 30 seconds. Writing on Twitter afterwards, O’Reilly said: “Tough fortnight for us and we have not been anywhere near good enough for the previous two games but today we were excellent. Delighted to have got Archie in and Harrison a deserved MOTM & a great goal too. So many other top performances too.”